Firing assembly comprising a fuse

ABSTRACT

Surgical instruments are disclosed which comprise a firing assembly configured to apply a firing load to an end effector of the surgical instrument during a firing stroke. The firing assembly comprises a fuse configured to interrupt the firing stroke and/or prevent the firing load from being applied to the end effector.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in variousarrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and staplecartridges for use therewith that are designed to staple and cut tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the embodiments described herein, together withadvantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings asfollows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument including a handleand an interchangeable shaft assembly comprising an end effector inaccordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a distal portion of the surgicalinstrument of FIG. 1 illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a proximal portion of the surgicalinstrument of FIG. 1 illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 1D is an exploded view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1E is an exploded view of the distal end of the surgical instrumentof FIG. 1;

FIG. 1F is an exploded view of the proximal end of the surgicalinstrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1G is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the surgicalinstrument of FIG. 1 illustrating the end effector in an unarticulatedconfiguration;

FIG. 1H is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the surgicalinstrument of FIG. 1 illustrating the end effector in an articulatedconfiguration;

FIG. 1I is a partial exploded view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1J is a cross-sectional view of an anvil jaw of the surgicalinstrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a cartridge jaw in accordance with atleast one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of an end effector including the anvil jawof FIG. 1 and the cartridge jaw of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial elevational view of an end effector in accordancewith at least one embodiment illustrated in an open configuration;

FIG. 5 is a partial elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 4illustrated in a fully-closed configuration;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a firing assembly in accordancewith at least one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical instrumentincluding the firing assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 7 illustrated in a partially-opened configuration;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a coupling member of a firing member inaccordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the firing member of FIG. 9including a layered firing bar attached to the coupling member;

FIG. 11 is an end view of the firing member of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a coupling member of a firing member inaccordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of a firing bar of the firingmember of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of the firing member of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of a coupling member and a firingbar layer of a firing member in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of the firing bar layer attachedto the coupling member of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of additional layers of the firingbar attached to the coupling member of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a partial plan view of the coupling member and the firing barof FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a partial perspective view of a firing assembly comprising acoupling member, a firing bar, and a lockout bar in accordance with atleast one embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical instrumentincluding the firing assembly of FIG. 19 illustrated in a locked outconfiguration;

FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 20 illustrated in an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical instrumentillustrated in a locked out configuration;

FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 22 illustrated in an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical instrumentillustrated in a locked out configuration;

FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 24 illustrated in an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 26 is an exploded view of a cartridge jaw, a staple cartridge, anda firing member of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least oneembodiment;

FIG. 27 is an elevational view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 26illustrated in an unfired configuration;

FIG. 28 is an elevational view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 26illustrated in a partially-fired configuration;

FIG. 29 is an elevational view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 26illustrated in a fully-fired configuration;

FIG. 30 illustrates the surgical instrument of FIG. 26 clamped onto avessel;

FIG. 31 is a top plan view of a cartridge jaw in accordance with atleast one embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a bottom plan view of the cartridge jaw of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge jaw of FIG. 31 takenalong line 33-33 in FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge jaw of FIG. 31 takenalong line 34-34 in FIG. 31;

FIG. 35 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical instrumentcomprising a firing assembly including a firing force lockoutillustrated in an unlocked condition;

FIG. 36 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 35 illustrating the firing force lockout in a locked configuration;

FIG. 37 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 35 illustrating the firing force lockout in an unlockedconfiguration and the firing assembly in a fired position;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 35taken along line 38-38 in FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a partial plan view of a staple cartridge comprising acartridge lockout in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 40 is a partial plan view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 39illustrating a firing member partially advanced through the staplecartridge;

FIG. 41 is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of the staplecartridge of FIG. 39 illustrating the firing member in apartially-advanced position;

FIG. 42 is a partial plan view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 39illustrating the firing member in a retracted position and the cartridgelockout in a locked configuration;

FIG. 43 is a partial perspective view of a firing lockout assembly of asurgical instrument illustrated in an unlocked configuration inaccordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 44 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the firinglockout assembly of FIG. 43 illustrated in its unlocked configuration;

FIG. 45 is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of the surgicalinstrument of FIG. 43 illustrating the firing lockout in its unlockedconfiguration;

FIG. 46 is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of the surgicalinstrument of FIG. 43 illustrating the firing lockout in a lockedconfiguration;

FIG. 47 is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of the surgicalinstrument of FIG. 43 illustrating the firing lockout being returned toits unlocked configuration;

FIG. 48 is a partial perspective view of a surgical instrumentcomprising a firing lockout in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 49 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 48 illustrating the firing lockout in an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 50 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 48 illustrating the firing lockout in a locked configuration;

FIG. 51 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 48 illustrating the firing lockout after it has been returned toits unlocked configuration;

FIG. 52 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical instrumentcomprising a firing member and a firing force lockout in accordance withat least one embodiment;

FIG. 53 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 52 illustrating the firing member moved distally;

FIG. 54 is an end cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 52 taken along line 54-54 in FIG. 52;

FIG. 55 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 52 illustrating the firing member in a fired position;

FIG. 56 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 52 illustrating the firing force lockout in a locked condition;

FIG. 57 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical instrumentcomprising a firing member and a firing force lockout in accordance withat least one embodiment;

FIG. 58 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 57 illustrating the firing force lockout in a locked condition;

FIG. 59 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 57 illustrating the firing force lockout after it has been resetand the firing member advanced distally to perform a staple firingstroke;

FIG. 60 is a partial exploded view of a firing assembly of a surgicalinstrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 61 is a detail view of a fuse region of the firing assembly of FIG.60 configured to fail when the firing load transmitted through thefiring assembly exceeds a threshold;

FIG. 62 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 60 illustrating the firing assembly in an unfired position and thefuse region in an intact state;

FIG. 63 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 60 illustrating the fuse region in a failed state;

FIG. 64 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 60 illustrating the firing assembly in a collapsed state;

FIG. 65 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical instrumentcomprising a firing assembly having a resettable fuse portion inaccordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 66 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 65 illustrating the firing assembly in a fired position;

FIG. 67 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 65 illustrating the fuse portion in a failed state;

FIG. 68 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 65 illustrating the fuse portion being retracted and reset;

FIG. 69 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 65 illustrating the fuse portion in a reset state;

FIG. 70 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 65 illustrating the firing assembly in a fired position;

FIG. 71 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical instrumentcomprising a firing assembly having a fuse portion in accordance with atleast one embodiment;

FIG. 72 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 71 illustrating the firing assembly in a fired position;

FIG. 73 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 71 illustrating the fuse portion in a failed state prior to thefiring assembly being advanced distally to perform a staple firingstroke, wherein the fuse portion is also acting as a firing forcelockout preventing the staple firing stroke;

FIG. 74 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 71 illustrating the fuse portion in a first-stage failed stateduring the staple firing stroke of the firing assembly;

FIG. 75 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 71 illustrating the fuse portion in a second-stage failed stateduring the staple firing stroke of the firing assembly;

FIG. 76 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 71 illustrating the firing assembly being reset;

FIG. 77 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 71 illustrating the firing assembly in a reset state;

FIG. 77A is a perspective view of a staple cartridge in accordance withat least one embodiment;

FIG. 77B is a partial plan view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 77A andan anvil for use therewith;

FIG. 77C is a perspective view of a staple cartridge in accordance withat least one embodiment;

FIG. 77D is a partial plan view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 77C andan anvil for use therewith;

FIG. 77E comprises elevational views of the staples of the staplecartridge of FIG. 77C in an unformed configuration, elevational views ofthe staples of the staple cartridge of FIG. 77C in a formedconfiguration, and plan views of the staples of the staple cartridge ofFIG. 77C in an unformed configuration;

FIG. 77F illustrates the staples of FIG. 77E implanted into the tissueof a patient;

FIG. 78 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument including ahandle and an interchangeable shaft assembly in accordance with at leastone embodiment; and

FIG. 79 is a perspective view of a robotic surgical system operablysupporting a plurality of surgical tools in accordance with at least oneembodiment.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and suchexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,185, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,230, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,221, entitled LOCKOUTARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,209, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,198, entitled LOCKOUTARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES;and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,240, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,939, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGESAND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,941, entitled SURGICAL TOOLASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURESYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND ARTICULATION ANDFIRING SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,943, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,950, entitled SURGICAL TOOLASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,945, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGESAND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,946, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,951, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENINGDISTANCE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,953, entitled METHODS OFSTAPLING TIS SUE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,954, entitled FIRING MEMBERSWITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,955, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,948, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,956, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,958, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEMACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,947, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGESAND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,896, entitled METHOD FORRESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,898, entitled STAPLE FORMINGPOCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,899, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,901, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGEAND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,902, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,904, entitled STAPLE FIRINGMEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,905, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING A LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,907, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRINGASSEMBLY LOCKOUT; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,909, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,920, entitled STAPLE FORMINGPOCKET ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,913, entitled ANVIL ARRANGEMENTSFOR SURGICAL STAPLERS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914, entitled METHOD OFDEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THESAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,893, entitled BILATERALLYASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,929, entitled CLOSURE MEMBERSWITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE ANDDISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled SURGICAL STAPLERSWITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,927, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,917, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGECOMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,900, entitled STAPLE FORMINGPOCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,931, entitled NO-CARTRIDGE ANDSPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,915, entitled FIRING MEMBER PINANGLE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,897, entitled STAPLE FORMINGPOCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,922, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,924, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,912, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS THAT ARE PIVOTABLE ABOUT A FIXED AXIS AND INCLUDESEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,910, entitled ANVIL HAVING AKNIFE SLOT WIDTH;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,903, entitled CLOSURE MEMBERARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,906, entitled FIRING MEMBER PINCONFIGURATIONS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,188, entitled STEPPED STAPLECARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,192, entitled STEPPED STAPLECARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,206, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGEWITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,226, entitled DURABILITYFEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,222, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,236, entitled CONNECTIONPORTIONS FOR DISPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,887, entitled METHOD FORATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVELY,TO A SURGICAL ROBOT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,889, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH AMOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,890, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,891, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRINGMEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,892, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEMCOMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO AN ARTICULATION STATE TOARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,894, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING A LOCKOUT; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,895, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,916, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,918, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,919, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,921, entitled SURGICAL STAPLECARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRINGMEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,923, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,925, entitled JAW ACTUATED LOCKARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OF A FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICALEND EFFECTOR UNLESS AN UNFIRED CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN THE ENDEFFECTOR;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,926, entitled AXIALLY MOVABLECLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OFSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,928, entitled PROTECTIVE COVERARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOVABLE JAW AND ACTUATORSHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,930, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING ANDCLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,932, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,933, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF ANARTICULATION LOCK;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,934, entitled ARTICULATION LOCKARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED POSITION INRESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,935, entitled LATERALLYACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OFA SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED CONFIGURATION; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,936, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,775, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGECOMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,807, entitled STAPLING SYSTEMFOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,834, entitled STAMPED STAPLESAND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,788, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGECOMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,818, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGECOMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,218, entitled SURGICALFASTENER;

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,227, entitled SURGICALFASTENER;

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,259, entitled SURGICALFASTENER CARTRIDGE; and

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,264, entitled SURGICALFASTENER CARTRIDGE.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Apr. 1, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,325, entitled METHOD FOROPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,321, entitled MODULAR SURGICALSTAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,326, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,263, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,262, entitled ROTARY POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,277, entitled SURGICAL CUTTINGAND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,296, entitled INTERCHANGEABLESURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELYROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,258, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,278, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF TISSUE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,284, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,295, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,300, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,196, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,203, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,210, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,324, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,335, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,339, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,253, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENTHEIGHTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,304, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,331, entitled ANVIL MODIFICATIONMEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,336, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGESWITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,312, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,309, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,349, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. PatentApplications identified below which were filed on Dec. 31, 2015 whichare each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,488, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,525, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,552, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. PatentApplications identified below which were filed on Feb. 9, 2016 which areeach herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,228, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,206, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE RELATIVETO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,215, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,227, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,235, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATIONSYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. PatentApplications identified below which were filed on Feb. 12, 2016 whichare each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,254, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,259, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,275, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Jun. 18, 2015 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,925, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,941, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,914, entitled MOVABLE FIRINGBEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. Patent Application Serial No.14/742,900, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH CENTERFIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,885, entitled DUAL ARTICULATIONDRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876, entitled PUSH/PULLARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 6, 2015 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,746, entitled POWERED SURGICALINSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256184;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,795, entitled MULTIPLE LEVELTHRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/02561185;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832, entitled ADAPTIVE TISSUECOMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUETYPES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256154;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,935, entitled OVERLAID MULTISENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUECOMPRESSION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256071;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,831, entitled MONITORING SPEEDCONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED SURGICALINSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256153;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,859, entitled TIME DEPENDENTEVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY, CREEP, ANDVISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0256187;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,817, entitled INTERACTIVEFEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0256186;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,844, entitled CONTROL TECHNIQUESAND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROLPROCESSING FROM HANDLE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0256155;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,837, entitled SMART SENSORS WITHLOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0256163;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,765, entitled SYSTEM FORDETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICALSTAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256160;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,799, entitled SIGNAL AND POWERCOMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0256162; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,780, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0256161.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Feb. 27, 2015, and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0249919;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,546, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUSCONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICALAPPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0249915;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,560, entitled SURGICAL CHARGINGSYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249910;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,566, entitled CHARGING SYSTEMTHAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249918;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,555, entitled SYSTEM FORMONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249916;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,542, entitled REINFORCED BATTERYFOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0249908;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,548, entitled POWER ADAPTER FORA SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0249909;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,526, entitled ADAPTABLE SURGICALINSTRUMENT HANDLE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0249945;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,541, entitled MODULAR STAPLINGASSEMBLY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249927; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,562, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUSCONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0249917.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Dec. 18, 2014 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANSFOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0174977;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,483, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0174969;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,139, entitled DRIVE ARRANGEMENTSFOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0174978;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,148, entitled LOCKINGARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICALEND EFFECTORS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174976;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,130, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETENON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0174972;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,143, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0174983;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,117, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAMSUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0174975;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,154, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAMSUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0174973;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,493, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174970; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,500, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174971.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 1, 2013 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,295, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION,now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246471;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323, entitled ROTARY POWEREDARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0246472;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338, entitled THUMBWHEEL SWITCHARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0249557;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,499, entitled ELECTROMECHANICALSURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT, now U.S. Pat. No.9,358,003;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460, entitled MULTIPLE PROCESSORMOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0246478;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358, entitled JOYSTICK SWITCHASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,326,767;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481, entitled SENSORSTRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,468,438;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,518, entitled CONTROL METHODSFOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246475;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375, entitled ROTARY POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM, now U.S. PatentNo. 9,398,911; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SOFT STOP, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,986.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 14, 2013 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,097, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263542;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,193, entitled CONTROLARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,332,987;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053, entitled INTERCHANGEABLESHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263564;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263541;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,210, entitled SENSORARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263538;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,148, entitled MULTI-FUNCTIONMOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2014/0263554;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,066, entitled DRIVE SYSTEMLOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263565;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117, entitled ARTICULATIONCONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.9,351,726;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,130, entitled DRIVE TRAINCONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.9,351,727; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,159, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEMFOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0277017.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplication that was filed on Mar. 7, 2014 and is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,111, entitled CONTROL SYSTEMSFOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2014/0263539.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 26, 2014 and are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,106, entitled POWER MANAGEMENTCONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272582;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,099, entitled STERILIZATIONVERIFICATION CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2015/0272581;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094, entitled VERIFICATION OFNUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272580;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,117, entitled POWER MANAGEMENTTHROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272574;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,075, entitled MODULAR POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2015/0272579;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,093, entitled FEEDBACKALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272569;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,116, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272571;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,071, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2015/0272578;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,097, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272570;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,126, entitled INTERFACE SYSTEMSFOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272572;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,133, entitled MODULAR SURGICALINSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2015/0272557;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,081, entitled SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0277471;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,076, entitled POWER MANAGEMENTTHROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0280424;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,111, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2015/0272583; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,125, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0280384.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Sep. 5, 2014 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,103, entitled CIRCUITRY ANDSENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0066912;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,119, entitled ADJUNCT WITHINTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0066914;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,908, entitled MONITORING DEVICEDEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0066910;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,895, entitled MULTIPLE SENSORSWITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR'S OUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION,now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066909;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,110, entitled POLARITY OF HALLMAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0066915;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,098, entitled SMART CARTRIDGEWAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0066911;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,115, entitled MULTIPLE MOTORCONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0066916; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,108, entitled LOCAL DISPLAY OFTISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION, now U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2016/0066913.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Apr. 9, 2014 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,590, entitled MOTOR DRIVENSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0305987;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,581, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROMTHE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2014/0305989;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,595, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF THESURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2014/0305988;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,588, entitled POWERED LINEARSURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2014/0309666;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,591, entitled TRANSMISSIONARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0305991;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,584, entitled MODULAR MOTORDRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARYDRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0305994;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,587, entitled POWERED SURGICALSTAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309665;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586, entitled DRIVE SYSTEMDECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0305990; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,607, entitled MODULAR MOTORDRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS, nowU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305992.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Apr. 16, 2013 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,365, entitledSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,376, entitled LINEARCUTTER WITH POWER;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,382, entitled LINEARCUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,385, entitledSURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTORCONTROL; and

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,372, entitledSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR.

Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and useof the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated inthe accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, andelements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure theembodiments described in the specification. The reader will understandthat the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limitingexamples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structuraland functional details disclosed herein may be representative andillustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the claims.

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and“comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and“having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and“including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains”and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a surgicalsystem, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or“contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements,but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements.Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,”“has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those oneor more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one ormore features.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to aclinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument.The term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the clinician andthe term “distal” refers to the portion located away from the clinician.It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity,spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may beused herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instrumentsare used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are notintended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performinglaparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, thereader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devicesdisclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures andapplications including, for example, in connection with open surgicalprocedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, the readerwill further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed hereincan be inserted into a body in any way, such as through a naturalorifice, through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. Theworking portions or end effector portions of the instruments can beinserted directly into a patient's body or can be inserted through anaccess device that has a working channel through which the end effectorand elongate shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.

A surgical stapling system can comprise a shaft and an end effectorextending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw and asecond jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple cartridge. The staplecartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however,other embodiments are envisioned in which a staple cartridge is notremovable from, or at least readily replaceable from, the first jaw. Thesecond jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform staples ejected fromthe staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the firstjaw about a closure axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned inwhich the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. Thesurgical stapling system further comprises an articulation jointconfigured to permit the end effector to be rotated, or articulated,relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about anarticulation axis extending through the articulation joint. Otherembodiments are envisioned which do not include an articulation joint.

The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge bodyincludes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between theproximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge ispositioned on a first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil ispositioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward thestaple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck.Thereafter, staples removably stored in the cartridge body can bedeployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavitiesdefined therein wherein staples are removably stored in the staplecavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows.Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of alongitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on asecond side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staplecavities and staples may be possible.

The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. Thedrivers are movable between a first, or unfired position, and a second,or fired, position to eject the staples from the staple cavities. Thedrivers are retained in the cartridge body by a retainer which extendsaround the bottom of the cartridge body and includes resilient membersconfigured to grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer to thecartridge body. The drivers are movable between their unfired positionsand their fired positions by a sled. The sled is movable between aproximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal positionadjacent the distal end. The sled comprises a plurality of rampedsurfaces configured to slide under the drivers and lift the drivers, andthe staples supported thereon, toward the anvil.

Further to the above, the sled is moved distally by a firing member. Thefiring member is configured to contact the sled and push the sled towardthe distal end. The longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body isconfigured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slotconfigured to receive the firing member. The firing member furthercomprises a first cam which engages the first jaw and a second cam whichengages the second jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, thefirst cam and the second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap,between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The firingmember also comprises a knife configured to incise the tissue capturedintermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable for theknife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the rampedsurfaces such that the staples are ejected ahead of the knife.

A surgical instrument comprising a handle 110 and a shaft assembly 1100removably attachable to the handle 110 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-1J. Theshaft assembly 1000 comprises an attachment portion 1100 configured toreleasably attach the shaft assembly 1000 to the handle 110, a frameassembly 1200 extending distally from the attachment portion 1100, andan end effector rotatably coupled to the frame assembly 1200 about anarticulation joint 1700. The end effector comprises a cartridge jaw2020—which is configured to receive a staple cartridge 2010 therein—andan anvil jaw 2030. Referring primarily to FIG. 1E, the anvil jaw 2030 isrotatably coupled to the cartridge jaw 2020 about pins 2025. The shaftassembly 1000 further comprises a closure system 1300 configured to movethe anvil jaw 2030 toward the cartridge jaw 2020, as discussed ingreater detail further below. In addition, the shaft assembly 1000further comprises a firing system 1400 configured to eject the staplesremovably stored in the staple cartridge 2010 and deform the staplesagainst the anvil jaw 2030.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 1A, 1C, and 1D, the attachment portion 1100comprises a lower frame 1110 and, in addition, an upper frame 1120attached to the lower frame 1110. The upper frame 1120 comprises a latch1130 which is configured to releasably engage the frames 1110 and 1120to a frame of the handle 110. The attachment portion 1100 furthercomprises housing portions 1140 and a nozzle 1150 attached to thehousing portions 1140. The housing portions 1140 comprise one or moregrooves and/or one or more walls defined therein which are configured topermit the housing portions 1140 and the nozzle 1150 to rotate—but nottranslate, or at least substantially translate—relative to the frames1110 and 1120. Moreover, the housing portions 1140 comprise one or moregrooves and/or one or more walls defined therein which are configured tomount the frame assembly 1200 thereto. The frame assembly 1200 isengaged with the housing portions 1140 such that the frame assembly1200, the housing portions 1140, and the nozzle 1150 are rotatabletogether about a longitudinal axis 1001 of the shaft assembly 1000.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 1D, 1E, and 1F, the frame assembly 1200comprises a proximal frame portion 1210, an intermediate frame portion1220, and a distal frame portion 1230. The frame portions 1210, 1220,and 1230 comprise a rigid, or at least substantially rigid, spine of theshaft assembly 1100. The proximal end of the proximal frame portion 1210is mounted to a slip joint interface 1260. The slip joint interface 1260co-operates with a slip joint interface 1160 defined on the lower frame1110 of the attachment portion 1100 which is configured to permit theframe assembly 1200 to rotate relative to the frames 1110 and 1120, asdiscussed above. In addition, the slip joint interfaces 1160 and 1260co-operate to provide an electrical interface which can electricallycouple sensors in the end effector, for example, and the attachmentportion 1100. The attachment portion 1100 comprises one or more circuitsin electrical communication with the slip joint interface 1160 which canbe placed in electrical communication with a control module and/ormicroprocessor of the handle 110, for example, when the shaft assembly1000 is attached to the handle 110.

Further to the above, referring primarily to FIGS. 1D, 1E, and 1F, theframe assembly 1200 further comprises a spine cover 1250. The spinecover 1250 co-operates with the frame portions 1210, 1220, and 1230 toenclose, or at least substantially enclose, the firing system 1400therein. The frame assembly 1200 further comprises spacers 1280 whichare configured to prevent, or at least limit, relative movement betweenthe frame assembly 1200 and the closure system 1300. Each spacer 1280comprises one or more pins extending therefrom which extend intoapertures defined in the closure system 1300.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 1D, 1E, and 1F, the closure assembly 1300comprises a closure actuator 1310 that is operably coupled with aclosure trigger 130 of the handle 110 when the shaft assembly 1000 isassembled to the handle 110. The closure assembly 1300 further comprisesa closure tube 1330 and, in addition, a tube retainer 1320 configured tomount the closure tube 1330 to the closure actuator 1310. Morespecifically, the tube retainer 1320 mounts the closure tube 1330 to theclosure retainer 1310 such that the closure retainer 1310 can push theclosure tube 1330 distally and pull the closure tube 1330 proximally.Referring primarily to FIG. 1E, the closure assembly 1300 furthercomprises a distal closure tube 1340 which is rotatably coupled to theclosure tube 1330 via articulation links 1350. When the closure tube1330 is pushed distally by the closure actuator 1310, the closure tube1330 pushes the distal closure tube 1340 into engagement with the anviljaw 2030 and moves the anvil jaw 2030 toward the cartridge jaw 2020.When the closure tube 1330 is pulled proximally by the closure actuator1310, the distal closure tube 1340 can disengage from the anvil jaw 2030which can allow the anvil jaw 2030 to be opened. In other instances, thedistal closure tube 1340 can pull the anvil jaw 2030 into an open, or anat least partially open, position when the distal closure tube 1340 isretracted.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 1D, 1E, and 1F, the firing assembly 1400comprises a proximal firing rod 1410 that is operably engaged with afiring system of the handle 110 when the shaft assembly 1000 isassembled to the handle 110. The firing assembly 1400 further comprisesan intermediate firing rod 1420 coupled to the proximal firing rod 1410and, in addition, a firing bar 1430 coupled to the intermediate firingrod 1420. The firing bar 1430 is comprised of a plurality of flexiblelayers, but can comprise any suitable configuration. The firing assembly1400 further comprises a coupling member 1440 mounted to the firing bar1430. When the firing assembly 1400 is advanced distally by the firingsystem of the handle 110, the coupling member 1440 pushes a sled 2015 ofthe staple cartridge 2010 distally to eject the staples from the staplecartridge 2010 and into tissue captured between the staple cartridge2010 and the anvil jaw 2030. The coupling member 1440 also comprises acutting edge which incises the tissue as the coupling member 1440 isadvanced distally to eject the staples.

Further to the above, referring to FIGS. 1F and 1I, the shaft assembly1000 further comprises a frame pin 1240. The frame pin 1240 couples theframe assembly 1200 and the firing assembly 1400 together such that theycan rotate in unison about the longitudinal axis 1001 when the nozzle1150 is rotated about the longitudinal axis 1001, as discussed above.Referring primarily to FIG. 1I, the frame pin 1240 extends through, andis snugly positioned within, an aperture 1222 defined in theintermediate frame portion 1220. The frame pin 1240 also comprisesprojections 1242 which extend into apertures 1212 defined in theproximal frame portion 1210. Similar to the above, the projections 1242are snugly positioned in the apertures 1212. In addition, the frame pin1240 also comprises a slot 1244 defined therein. The proximal firing rod1410 extends through the slot 1244 and slides relative to the frame pin1240 when the proximal firing rod 1410 is moved proximally and distally,as discussed above. The sidewalls of the slot 1244 are spaced apart fromone another in order to closely receive the lateral sides 1412 of theproximal firing rod 1410 therebetween. As a result, the frame pin 1240can transfer the rotation of the frame assembly 1200 to the firingassembly 1400 when the frame assembly 1200 is rotated about thelongitudinal axis 1001, as discussed above. Referring primarily to FIG.1F, the closure tube 1330 can also comprise a clearance aperture 1332defined therein which is configured to receive a portion of the framepin 1240 therein.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 1E, 1F, 1G, and 1H, the shaft assembly 1000further comprises an articulation system 1500 configured to articulatethe end effector about the articulation joint 1700. The articulationsystem 1500 comprises an articulation driver 1510 mounted to theproximal firing rod 1410 and, in addition, an articulation bar 1520which is selectively engageable with the articulation driver 1510. Whenthe articulation bar 1520 is engaged with the articulation driver 1510,the movement of the proximal firing rod 1410 is transmitted to thearticulation bar 1520. In such instances, the shaft assembly 1000 is inan articulation operating mode. When the articulation bar 1520 is notengaged with the articulation driver 1510, the movement of the proximalfiring rod 1410 is not transmitted to the articulation bar 1520. In suchinstances, the shaft assembly 1000 is in a firing operating mode. As aresult of the above, the movement of the firing assembly 1400 isselectively transferable to the articulation system 1500. As discussedin greater detail below, the shaft assembly 1000 further comprises aswitching system 1600 configured to switch the shaft assembly 1000between its articulation operating mode and its firing operating mode.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 1C and 1F, the switching system 1600comprises a shift collar 1610 and a shift plate 1620. The shift collar1610 is rotatable about the longitudinal axis 1001 of the shaft assembly1000 between an unactuated position and an actuated position. Theclosure assembly 1300 is configured to drive the switching system 1600and rotate the shift collar 1610 from its unactuated position to itsactuated position when the closure assembly 1300 is advanced distally toclose the anvil jaw 2030. The shift collar 1610 is configured to drivethe shift plate 1620 longitudinally from a first position to a secondposition when the shift collar 1610 is moved from its unactuatedposition to its actuated position. When the shift plate 1620 is in itsfirst position, the articulation bar 1520 is operably engaged with theproximal firing rod 1410 and the shaft assembly 1000 is in itsarticulation operating mode. In such instances, the proximal and distalmovement of the firing assembly 1400 is transferred to the articulationassembly 1500. When the shift plate 1620 is moved into its secondposition, the shift plate 1620 operably decouples the articulation bar1520 from the proximal firing rod 1410 and the shaft assembly 1000 is inits firing operating mode. In such instances, the proximal and distalmovement of the firing assembly 1400 is not transferred to thearticulation assembly 1500.

When the closure assembly 1300 is pulled proximally to disengage thedistal closure tube 1340 from the anvil jaw 2030, further to the above,the shift collar 1610 can be rotated back into its unactuated position.Referring again to FIG. 1F, the switching system 1600 further comprisesa biasing member, or spring, 1630 configured to bias the shift collar1610 into its unactuated position.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 1G and 1H, the articulation system 1500further comprises an articulation assembly 1530 fixedly mounted to thedistal frame portion 1230. The articulation assembly 1530 comprises anarticulation frame 1540 and, in addition, a lock system 1550 slidablymounted to the articulation frame 1540. The lock system 1550 is slidablein a distal direction to allow the end effector to be rotated about thearticulation joint 1700 in a first direction. The lock system 1550 isalso slidable in a proximal direction to allow the end effector to berotated about the articulation joint 1700 in a second direction. Thearticulation bar 1520 is operably engaged with the lock system 1550 suchthat the articulation bar 1520 can push the lock system 1550 distallywhen the articulation bar 1520 is pushed distally by the proximal firingrod 1410. Moreover, the articulation bar 1520 is operably engaged withthe lock system 1550 such that the articulation bar 1520 can pull thelock system 1550 proximally when the articulation bar 1520 is pulledproximally by the proximal firing rod 1410.

Further to the above, the articulation assembly 1530 further comprisesan articulation link 1560. Similar to the lock system 1550, thearticulation bar 1520 is configured to push the articulation link 1560distally when the articulation bar 1520 is pushed distally and,correspondingly, configured to pull the articulation link 1560proximally when the articulation bar 1520 is pulled proximally. Thedistal end of the articulation link 1560 is engaged with a channelretainer 1570 fixedly mounted in the cartridge jaw 1220. Morespecifically, the channel retainer 1570 comprises a pin extendingtherefrom which is positioned within an aperture defined in thearticulation link 1560. When the articulation link 1560 is pusheddistally, further to the above, the articulation link 1560 drives theend effector in its first direction. When the articulation link 1560 ispulled proximally, the articulation link 1560 drives the end effector ina second, or opposite, direction, as illustrated in FIG. 1H.

The articulation assembly 1530, further to the above, is configured andarranged such that it prevents the rotation of the end effector aboutthe articulation joint 1700 when the lock system 1550 is in a neutral,or unpushed, state. When the lock system 1550 is pushed distally orpulled proximally by the articulation bar 1520, the articulationassembly 1530 is unlocked so that the end effector can be rotated aboutthe articulation joint 1700. In order to relock the end effector inposition, the articulation bar 1520 can be used to re-position the locksystem 1550 in its neutral state and/or allow a biasing member tore-position the lock system 1550 in its neutral state.

Referring again to FIGS. 1G and 1H, the shaft assembly 1000 furthercomprises a knife guide 1450 positioned within and/or adjacent to thearticulation joint 1700. The knife guide 1450 is configured to supportthe firing bar 1430 when the end effector is in an articulatedconfiguration, as illustrated in FIG. 1H, among other configurations.The knife guide 1450 comprises lateral sidewalls 1454 defined thereinwhich are configured to support and/or guide the layers of the firingbar 1430—especially when the firing bar 1430 is moved proximally anddistally, as described above. The knife guide 1450 is configured torotate within the articulation joint 1700 when the end effector isrotated. More specifically, the knife guide 1450 rotates in a firstdirection when the end effector is rotated in a first direction and,correspondingly, the knife guide 1450 rotates in a second direction whenthe end effector is rotated in a second direction. The distal end 1456of the knife guide 1450 comprises a post extending therefrom which ispositioned in an aperture defined in the channel retainer 1570 which canserve as a pivot joint between the knife guide 1450 and the channelretainer 1570.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 1G and 1H, the shaft assembly 1000 furthercomprises a cap 1460 engaged with the channel retainer 1570. In at leastone instance, the cap 1460 is engaged with the channel retainer 1570 ina snap-fit manner, for example. The cap 1460 is configured to limit thevertical movement of the firing bar 1430 and hold the firing bar 1430 inthe knife guide 1450.

Referring again to FIG. 1H, the knife guide 1450 comprises lateralpushers 1452 extending therefrom. The lateral pushers 1452 areconfigured to push the tissue of a patient out of the articulation joint1700 when the end effector and the knife guide 1450 are rotated, asdescribed above. Stated another way, the lateral pushers 1452 areconfigured to push the tissue away from the pinch points between thecartridge jaw 2020 and the frame assembly 1200, for example. Moreover,the lateral pushers 1452 are configured to block, or close, gaps definedbetween the cartridge jaw 2020 and the frame assembly 1200.

A surgical instrument 2000 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. The surgicalinstrument 2000 comprises a cartridge jaw 2020 and an anvil jaw 2030.The cartridge jaw 2020 comprises a staple cartridge 2010 which includesa plurality of staples removably stored therein. The staple cartridge2010 is replaceable and can be removed from the cartridge jaw 2020;however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the staple cartridge2020 is not replaceable. The staple cartridge 2010 comprises a proximalend 2011, a distal end 2013, and a tissue compression surface 2012extending between the proximal end 2011 and the distal end 2013. Thestaple cartridge 2010 further comprises staple cavities defined in thetissue compression surface 2012 and staples removably stored in thestaple cavities. The anvil jaw 2030 comprises a proximal end 2031, adistal end 2033, and a tissue compression surface 2032 extending betweenthe proximal end 2031 and the distal end 2033. The anvil jaw 2030further comprises staple forming pockets defined in the tissuecompression surface 2032.

The anvil jaw 2030 is rotatably coupled to the cartridge jaw 2020.Referring to FIG. 2, the cartridge jaw 2020 comprises apertures 2016defined on opposite sides thereof. Each aperture 2016 is elongate andextends along a vertical axis 2001. The anvil jaw 2030 comprisesprojections 2036 that extend laterally therefrom in opposite directions.The projections 2036 are slidably positioned within the apertures 2016.The apertures 2016 and the projections 2036 define a joint about whichthe anvil jaw 2030 can be rotated relative to the cartridge jaw 2020between an open position and a closed position. The projections 2036 areclosely received between the vertical sidewalls of the apertures 2016such that proximal and/or distal longitudinal movement of the anvil jaw2030 relative to the cartridge jaw 2020 is prevented, or at leastinhibited. That said, the projections 2036 are movable vertically withinthe apertures 2016, as described in greater detail further below. Insome embodiments, an anvil jaw may comprise a pivot pin about which theanvil jaw is rotatable relative to a cartridge jaw between an openposition and a fully-closed position.

Further to the above, the surgical instrument 2000 comprises a closuremember, or tube, 2040 configured to contact the anvil jaw 2030 and movethe anvil jaw 2030 from its open position toward its closed position(FIG. 3) during a closure stroke. More specifically, the closure tube2040 comprises a distal tube end 2045 configured to engage a cam surface2035 defined on the anvil jaw 2030 and rotate the distal end 2033 of theanvil jaw 2030 toward the distal end 2013 of the staple cartridge 2010.The closure tube 2040 slides distally along the cam surface 2035 untilthe distal tube end 2045 comes into contact with a push shoulder 2037defined on the anvil jaw 2030. In such instances, the projections 2036rotate within the apertures 2016 as the anvil jaw 2030 is rotatingrelative to the cartridge jaw 2020.

Referring primarily to FIG. 3, the rotation of the anvil jaw 2030,without more, may result in the tissue gap between the distal end 2013of the staple cartridge 2010 and the distal end 2033 of the anvil jaw2030 (DTG) being larger than the tissue gap between the proximal end2011 of the staple cartridge 2010 and the proximal end 2031 of the anviljaw 2030 (PTG). When the distal tissue gap DTG is larger than theproximal tissue gap PTG, the tissue captured within the distal tissuegap DTG may experience less clamping force, or compression, than thetissue captured within the proximal tissue gap PTG. Moreover, in suchinstances, the tissue compression surface 2032 of the anvil jaw 2030 maynot be parallel to the tissue compression surface 2012 of the staplecartridge 2010 and, as a result, the staples deformed by the distal end2033 of the anvil jaw 2030 may be larger than the staples deformed bythe proximal end 2031.

Further to the above, the closure tube 2040 further comprises one ormore lift cams 2046 configured to move the distal end 2033 of the anviljaw 2030 closer to the distal end 2013 of the staple cartridge 2010. Thelift cams 2046 of the closure tube 2040 are configured to engage theprojections 2036 of the anvil jaw 2030 and push the projections 2036upwardly within the apertures 2016 during the closure stroke of theclosure tube 2040. In such instances, the lift cams 2046 can drive thedistal end 2033 of the anvil jaw 2030 toward the distal end 2013 of thestaple cartridge 2010 and increase the clamping force applied to thetissue captured within the distal tissue gap DTG. In various instances,the lift cams 2046 can position the anvil jaw 2030 relative to thestaple cartridge 2010 such that the distal tissue gap DTG is the same,or at least substantially the same, as the proximal tissue gap PTG;however, the reader should understand that the thickness of the tissuecaptured between the tissue compression surfaces 2012 and 2032 canaffect the distal tissue gap DTG and the proximal tissue gap PTG. In anyevent, the clamping force applied to the tissue in distal tissue gap DTGcan be the same, or at least substantially the same, as the clampingforce applied to the tissue in the proximal tissue gap PTG.

In various instances, further to the above, the tissue captured withinthe distal tissue gap DTG can be pushed out of the distal tissue gap DTGwhen the tissue is being incised by a cutting member. In at least oneinstance, the lift cams 2046 can position the anvil jaw 2030 relative tothe staple cartridge 2010 such that the distal tissue gap DTG is smallerthan the proximal tissue gap PTG. In such instances, the clamping forceapplied to the tissue in distal tissue gap DTG can be larger than theclamping force applied to the tissue in the proximal tissue gap PTG. Asa result, the tissue captured in the DTG is less likely to be pushed outof the distal tissue gap DTG.

In at least one sense, further to the above, the distal tube end 2045 ofthe closure tube 2040 comprises a first, or initial, cam and the liftcams 2046 of the closure tube 2040 comprise a second, or subsequent,cam. That said, the lift cams 2046 can be configured to engage theprojections 2036 at any suitable point in the closure stroke. In atleast one instance, the lift cams 2046 are configured to engage theprojections 2036 at the same time that the distal tube end 2045 engagesthe push shoulder 2037. In such instances, the distal end 2033 of theanvil jaw 2030 can be pushed downwardly toward the distal end 2013 ofthe staple cartridge 2010 at the end of the closure stroke. In otherinstances, the lift cams 2046 are configured to engage the projections2036 before the distal tube end 2045 engages the push shoulder 2037. Insuch instances, the distal end 2033 of the anvil jaw 2030 can becambered downwardly as the anvil jaw 2030 is being closed. In someinstances, the lift cams 2046 are configured to engage the projections2036 after the distal tube end 2045 has engaged the push shoulder 2037.In such instances, the closure tube 2040 can apply a significantclamping force to the tissue at the very end of the closure stroke whichincludes, one, a push-to-close force component from the distal tube end2045 and, two, a lift-to-close force component from the lift cams 2046.

As discussed above, referring again to FIG. 3, the lift cams 2046 areconfigured to affect, or close, the distal tissue gap DTG during theclosure stroke of the closure tube 2040. The lift cams 2046 do notaffect, or at least substantially affect, the proximal tissue gap PTG.In various instances, the tissue positioned in the proximal tissue gapPTG can act as a fulcrum about which the anvil jaw 2030 is rotated whenthe lift cams 2046 engage the anvil projections 2036. In certaininstances, the proximal tissue gap PTG can adjust to the thickness ofthe tissue captured between the anvil compression surface 2032 and thecartridge compression surface 2012.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the anvil jaw 2030 comprises a longitudinalslot 2038 which is configured to receive a portion of a firing assembly,or a cutting member portion of the firing assembly, during a tissuecutting stroke. As described in greater detail below, a firing assemblycan comprise a cam member configured to engage the anvil jaw 2030 andposition the anvil jaw 2030 relative to the staple cartridge 2010 duringthe tissue cutting stroke. The longitudinal slot 2038 comprises a camsurface 2039 which is engaged by the firing assembly to compress thetissue, or control the compression of the tissue, captured between thecartridge compression surface 2012 and the anvil compression surface2032. The cam surface 2039 of the anvil jaw 2030 is parallel to thetissue compression surface 2032. In other embodiments, the cam surface2039 is not parallel to the tissue compression surface 2032. In at leastone such embodiment, the cam surface 2039 extends along a plane which isnot parallel to a plane including the tissue compression surface 2032.For instance, the distance between the cam surface 2039 and the tissuecompression surface 2032 can be larger at the distal end 2033 of theanvil jaw 2030 as compared to the proximal end 2031. In such instances,the compression force applied to the tissue by the firing assembly canincrease as the cutting member portion is progressed through its tissuecutting stroke which can prevent, or at least reduce the possibility of,the tissue being pushed out of the distal tissue gap DTG, for example.

In various instances, further to the above, the cam surface 2039 of theanvil jaw 2030 can be pointed downwardly toward the distal end 2013 ofthe cartridge jaw 2010 when the anvil jaw 2030 has reached itsfully-closed position.

A surgical instrument 2100 is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The surgicalinstrument 2100 is similar to the surgical instrument 2000 in manyrespects. The surgical instrument 2100 comprises a cartridge jaw 2120and an anvil jaw 2030. The cartridge jaw 2120 comprises a staplecartridge 2010 which includes a plurality of staples removably storedtherein. The staple cartridge 2010 is replaceable and can be removedfrom the cartridge jaw 2120; however, other embodiments are envisionedin which the staple cartridge 2010 is not replaceable. Similar to theabove, the anvil jaw 2030 is rotatably coupled to the cartridge jaw2120. The cartridge jaw 2120 comprises apertures 2116 defined onopposite sides thereof. Each aperture 2116 is elongate and extends alonga vertical axis 2001.

Also similar to the above, the anvil jaw 2030 comprises projections 2036that extend laterally therefrom in opposite directions. The projections2036 are slidably positioned within the apertures 2116. The apertures2116 and the projections 2036 define a joint about which the anvil jaw2030 can be rotated relative to the cartridge jaw 2120 between an openposition and a closed position. The projections 2036 are closelyreceived between the vertical sidewalls of the apertures 2116 such thatlongitudinal proximal and/or distal movement of the anvil jaw 2030relative to the cartridge jaw 2120 is prevented, or at least inhibited.That said, the projections 2036 are movable vertically within theapertures 2116. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cartridge jaw 2120further comprises longitudinal slots 2117 defined on opposite sidesthereof. Each longitudinal slot 2117 intersects a bottom portion of anaperture 2116.

Further to the above, the surgical instrument 2100 comprises a closuremember, or tube, 2040 configured to contact the anvil jaw 2030 and movethe anvil jaw 2030 from its open position (FIG. 4) toward its closedposition (FIG. 5) during a closure stroke. More specifically, further tothe above, the distal tube end 2045 of the closure tube 2040 isconfigured to engage a cam surface 2035 defined on the anvil jaw 2030and rotate the anvil jaw 2030 toward the cartridge jaw 2120. The closuretube 2040 slides distally along the cam surface 2035 until the distaltube end 2045 comes into contact with a push shoulder 2037 defined onthe anvil jaw 2030. In such instances, the projections 2036 rotatewithin the apertures 2116 as the anvil jaw 2030 is rotating relative tothe cartridge jaw 2120.

Further to the above, the lift cams 2046 of the closure tube 2040 areconfigured to engage the projections 2036 of the anvil jaw 2030 and pushthe projections 2036 upwardly within the apertures 2116 during theclosure stroke of the closure tube 2040. In such instances, the liftcams 2046 can drive the distal tip of the anvil jaw 2030 toward thedistal tip of the cartridge jaw 2120 and increase the clamping forceapplied to the tissue captured between the distal tips of the cartridgejaw 2120 and the anvil jaw 2030. The movement of the lift cams 2046 islimited to a longitudinal path defined by the longitudinal slots 2117.In at least one instance, the longitudinal path comprises a longitudinalaxis which is orthogonal, or at least substantially orthogonal, to thevertical axis 2001, for example. The intersection of the longitudinalslots 2117 and the apertures 2116 allows the lift cams 2046 to engagethe projections 2036 as the closure tube 2040 is advanced distallyduring its closure stroke.

As discussed above, the surgical instruments 2000 and 2100 comprise afixed cartridge jaw and a movable anvil jaw. However, other embodimentsare envisioned. For instance, a surgical instrument can comprise a fixedanvil jaw and a movable cartridge jaw. Such embodiments can be usefulwhen the space between the targeted tissue and a body cavity wall islimited, for example. More specifically, in various instances, the anviljaw 2030 is thinner than the staple cartridge jaw 2020 and, if the anviljaw 2030 is fixed, the anvil jaw 2030 could provide a thin, but stiff,jaw that could be slid behind tissue in tight spaces.

A surgical instrument 2200 is illustrated in FIGS. 6-8. The surgicalinstrument 2200 is similar to the surgical instruments 2000 and 2100 inmany respects. The surgical instrument 2200 comprises a cartridge jaw2220 and an anvil jaw 2230 rotatably coupled to the cartridge jaw 2220.The cartridge jaw 2220 comprises a replaceable staple cartridge 2210including a plurality of staples removably stored therein. In otherembodiments, the staple cartridge 2210 is not removable from thecartridge jaw 2220. The cartridge jaw 2220 and the anvil jaw 2230 aresimilar to the cartridge jaw 2020 and the anvil jaw 2030, respectively.The surgical instrument 2200 further comprises a closure tube 2240. Theclosure tube 2240 is similar to the closure tube 2040 in many respects.Among other things, the closure tube 2240 comprises a distal tube end2245 configured to engage a cam surface 2035 and/or a push shoulder 2037on the anvil jaw 2230 to rotate the anvil jaw 2230 toward the cartridgejaw 2220.

The surgical instrument 2200 further comprises a firing assembly 2250.The firing assembly 2250 comprises a coupling member 2251, a firing bar2254 mounted to the coupling member 2251, and a firing rod 2252. Thecoupling member 2251 is configured to be advanced distally from aproximal unfired position to a distal fired position by the firing rod2252 and the firing bar 2254 during a firing stroke of the firingassembly 2250 to eject the staples from the staple cartridge 2210. Thecoupling member 2251 comprises a first cam configured to engage thecartridge jaw 2220 and a second cam configured to engage the anvil jaw2230 during the firing stroke. Among other things, the first and secondcams lock the anvil jaw 2230 in a closed position during the firingstroke. After at least a portion of the firing stroke has beencompleted, the firing assembly 2250 can be retracted to disengage thefirst and second cams from the jaws 2220 and 2230, respectively. At suchpoint, the closure tube 2240 can be retracted proximally to disengagethe distal tube end 2245 from the cam surface 2035.

The closure tube 2240 further comprises at least one crimp tab 2249(FIG. 3). The crimp tab 2249 is configured to positively open the anviljaw 2230. As the closure tube 2240 is being retracted proximally,further to the above, the distal tube end 2245 slides proximally acrossthe cam surface 2035 and, after the closure tube 2240 has beensufficiently retracted, the crimp tab 2249 contacts a cam tab 2239defined on the anvil jaw 2230. Stated another way, the crimp tab 2249does not initially engage the cam tab 2239 as the closure tube 2240 isbeing retracted; rather, the crimp tab 2249 comes into contact with thecam tab 2239 as the closure tube 2240 is being retracted. Once the crimptab 2249 is engaged with the cam tab 2239, further retraction of theclosure tube 2240 will open the anvil jaw 2230. the closure tube 2240must be sufficiently retracted before the biasing member can open theanvil jaw 2230. As a result, the anvil jaw 2230 may not open immediatelyduring the retraction stroke of the closure tube 2240 absent the use ofa resilient biasing feature which can drive the anvil jaw 2230 into anat least partially open position while the closure tube 2240 is beingretracted, as discussed in greater detail below.

Further to the above, the firing assembly 2250 comprises a biasingmember, or spring, 2256, for example, positioned intermediate the firingrod 2252 and a proximal tail 2255 of the firing bar 2254. Referringprimarily to FIG. 6, the spring 2256 comprises an end securely mountedin a recess 2257 defined in the distal end of the firing rod 2252 and,in addition, a cantilever end 2258 which extends into a longitudinalopening 2253 defined in the firing rod 2252. When the firing assembly2250 is retracted, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the firing rod 2252 appliesa retraction force to the firing bar 2254 via the spring 2256. Thisretraction force resiliently compresses the spring 2256, as alsoillustrated in FIG. 7. As the firing assembly 2250 is retracted, thecoupling member 2251 comes into contact with the anvil jaw 2230. Morespecifically, a shoulder 2259 defined on the coupling member 2251contacts the cam tab 2239 defined on the anvil jaw 2230. At such point,the spring 2256 is still in its compressed state and is applying a loadto the anvil jaw 2230 through the coupling member 2251. This load,however, does not open the anvil jaw 2230 until the closure tube 2240 ismoved proximally away from the push shoulder 2037. Once the closure tube2240 begins its opening motion, however, the load can quickly open, orat least partially open, the anvil jaw 2230, as illustrated in FIG. 8.In various instances, as a result, very little, if any, lag existsbetween the opening motion of the closure tube 2240 and the openingmotion of the anvil jaw 2230.

Further to the above, the spring 2256 will apply the quick-opening forceto the anvil jaw 2230 so long as the spring 2256 is resilientlycompressed between the firing rod 2252 and the firing bar 2254. Once thespring 2256 has returned to its uncompressed state, the firing assembly2250 may no longer apply an opening force to the anvil jaw 2230. Furtheropening of the anvil jaw 2230 can be accomplished through retraction ofthe closure system so that the positive jaw opening crimp tab 2249applies force to the cam tab 2239 to fully open the anvil jaw 2230.

A coupling member 2551 is illustrated in FIGS. 9-11 and a portion of afiring assembly 2550 is illustrated in FIG. 10. The coupling member 2551comprises a first cam 2552 configured to engage a first jaw and secondcams 2553 configured to engage a second jaw. The coupling member 2551further comprises a recess 2555 defined therein. The recess 2555 isconfigured to receive a firing bar 2554 therein. In at least oneinstance, the lateral side of the firing bar 2554 is flush with thelateral side of the coupling member 2551 when the firing bar 2554 isfully seated in the coupling member 2551. In other instances, thelateral side of the firing bar 2554 is recessed with respect to thelateral side of the coupling member 2551.

Further to the above, the firing bar 2554 comprises a plurality offlexible layers. Each of the layers is mounted to the coupling member2551. The coupling member 2551 comprises a first, or proximal, mountingpost, or projection, 2557 p and a second, or distal, mounting post, orprojection, 2557 d. Each layer of the firing bar 2554 comprises anaperture 2558 p configured to closely receive the mounting post 2557 p.In at least one instance, the mounting post 2557 p is press fit into theapertures 2558 p such that little, if any, relative movement is possiblebetween the firing bar 2554 and the mounting post 2557 p. Similarly,each layer of the firing bar 2554 comprises an aperture 2558 dconfigured to closely receive the mounting post 2557 d. In at least oneinstance, the mounting post 2557 d is press fit into the apertures 2558d such that little, if any, relative movement is possible between thefiring bar 2554 and the mounting post 2557 d. Mounting posts 2557 p and2557 d provide, one, a mechanical attachment of the coupling member 2551to the firing bar 2554 and, two, surfaces which extend out to theexterior surface of the firing bar 2554 that provide significant exposedsurface area that allows a welded connection to be made between thecoupling member 2551 and the firing bar 2554. In various instances, theperimeters of the mounting posts 2557 p and 2557 d are welded to thelayers, or at least the outer layer, of the firing bar 2554. In someinstances, the ends of the mounting posts 2557 p and 2557 d are entirelywelded over to make the connection between the coupling member 2551 andthe firing bar 2554.

The mounting post 2557 p and the mounting post 2557 d are not alignedlongitudinally. Referring primarily to FIG. 9, the mounting posts 2557 pand 2557 d are positioned on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis 2558.The longitudinal axis 2558 is collinear with and/or parallel to thelongitudinal path of the firing assembly 2550. As a result of the above,the interconnection between the coupling member 2251 and the firing bar2554 can withstand torque loads which act to rotate the coupling member2551 upwardly and/or downwardly. In alternative embodiments, themounting posts 2557 p and 2557 d are aligned longitudinally. In suchinstances, the mounting posts 2557 p and 2557 d can comprise analignment datum for properly orienting the coupling member 2551 relativeto the firing bar 2554.

Referring primarily to FIG. 10, the firing assembly 2550 comprises acutting portion configured to cut the tissue of a patient as the firingassembly 2550 is advanced distally through a staple cartridge. Thecoupling member 2551 comprises a first cutting part 2556′ of the cuttingportion and the firing bar 2554 comprises a second cutting part 2556″ ofthe cutting portion. The first cutting part 2556′ is positionedlaterally with respect to the second cutting part 2556″. The face of thefirst cutting part 2556′, however, is aligned with the face of thesecond cutting part 2556″ such that these faces comprise a continuous,or at least substantially continuous, cutting edge, as illustrated inFIG. 10. In at least one instance, only one layer of the firing bar 2554constitutes the second cutting part 2556″; however, alternativeembodiments are envisioned in which more than one layer of the firingbar 2554 constitutes the second cutting part 2556″. In certainembodiments, the coupling member 2551 does not constitute part of thecutting portion. In at least one such embodiment, the firing bar 2554comprises the entirety of the cutting portion. In any event, thearrangements discussed above can reduce the cost of creating the firingassembly 2250 by eliminating the need to sharpen and hone the couplingmember 2251, and transferring the sharpening operation to one of theflat layers of the firing bar 2554.

A coupling member 2651 is illustrated in FIG. 12, a portion of a firingbar 2654 is illustrated in FIG. 13, and a portion of a firing assembly2650 comprising the coupling member 2651 and the firing bar 2654 isillustrated in FIG. 14. The coupling member 2651 comprises a first cam2552 configured to engage a first jaw and second cams 2553 configured toengage a second jaw. Referring to FIG. 12, the coupling member 2651further comprises a recess 2655 defined therein. The recess 2655 isconfigured to receive the firing bar 2654 therein, as illustrated inFIG. 14. In at least one instance, the lateral side of the firing bar2654 is flush with the lateral side of the coupling member 2651 when thefiring bar 2654 is fully seated in the recess 2655. In other instances,the lateral side of the firing bar 2654 is recessed with respect to thelateral side of the coupling member 2651.

Referring primarily to FIG. 12, the coupling member 2651 comprises aproximal mounting post 2657 p and a distal mounting post 2657 d. Thefiring bar 2654, referring to FIG. 13, comprises a proximal aperture2658 p configured to closely receive the mounting post 2657 p. In atleast one instance, the mounting post 2657 p is press-fit within theproximal aperture 2658 p of the firing bar 2654. The firing bar 2654further comprises a distal aperture 2658 d configured to closely receivethe distal mounting post 2657 d of the coupling member 2651. In at leastone instance, the mounting post 2657 d is press-fit within the distalaperture 2658 d of the firing bar 2654. Mounting posts 2657 p and 2657 dprovide, one, a mechanical attachment of the coupling member 2651 to thefiring bar 2654 and, two, surfaces which extend out to the exteriorsurface of the firing bar 2654 that provide significant exposed surfacearea that allows a welded connection to be made between the couplingmember 2651 and the firing bar 2654. In various instances, theperimeters of the mounting posts 2657 p and 2657 d are welded to thelayers, or at least the outer layer, of the firing bar 2654. In someinstances, the ends of the mounting posts 2657 p and 2657 d are entirelywelded over to make the connection between the coupling member 2651 andthe firing bar 2654.

Referring again to FIG. 13, the firing bar 2654 further comprises ahook, or catch, 2653. Referring now to FIG. 14, the hook 2653 is engagedwith the coupling member 2651. More specifically, the hook 2653 is atleast partially wrapped around the distal end of a second cam 2553. Invarious instances, the hook 2653 can be used to align the firing bar2654 with the coupling member 2651 before seating the firing bar 2654into the recess 2655 in the coupling member 2651. Moreover, the hook2653 extends over the cutting part 2556″ of the coupling member 2651 andcan be configured to direct the flow of tissue toward the cutting edgeof the cutting part 2556″. The firing bar 2654 comprises a single layerand the hook 2653 is defined on that layer; however, the hook 2653 canbe defined on multiple layers in other firing bars. In any event, thehook 2653, the distal aperture 2658 d, and the proximal aperture 2658 pare configured to retain the firing bar 2654 to the coupling member2651.

As discussed above, the firing bar 2654 is positioned within a lateralrecess 2655. Referring to FIG. 12, the second cam 2553 that extends overthe recess 2655 is longer than the other second cam 2553. Moreover, thefiring bar 2654 is offset laterally with respect to the center of thecoupling member 2651. In use, as a result, the firing bar 2654 canexperience a lateral twist when the firing assembly 2650 is beingadvanced distally during its firing stroke. To account for this twist,in various instances, the second cams 2553 can be closely receivedwithin a jaw, such as the anvil jaw 2030, for example. Morespecifically, referring again to FIG. 1, the sidewalls of the slot 2038are configured such that there is little, if any, lateral gap betweenthe sidewalls and the lateral sides of the second cams 2553. Other meanscan be used.

Turning now to FIGS. 15-18, a firing assembly 2750 comprises a couplingmember 2751 and a firing bar 2754 including multiple layers attached tothe coupling member 2751. The coupling member 2751 comprises a first cam2752 configured to engage a first jaw, second cams 2753 configured toengage a second jaw, and a cutting edge 2756 configured to transecttissue during a firing stroke of the firing assembly 2750. The couplingmember 2751 comprises a mounting tab 2754 a extending proximallytherefrom and lateral recesses 2755 defined on opposite sides of themounting tab 2754 a. Referring to FIG. 16, a center layer 2754 b of thefiring bar 2754 is attachable to the mounting tab 2754 a. The mountingtab 2754 a and the center layer 2754 b define apertures 2754 ctherebetween which are configured to receive welds 2754 d therein toretain the center layer 2754 b to the mounting tab 2754 a; however, anysuitable joining method could be used to join the center layer 2754 b tothe mounting tab 2754 a.

Further to the above, referring now to FIG. 17, the firing bar 2754further comprises lateral layers 2754 e which are mounted to thecoupling member 2751 in the lateral recesses 2755. Each of the laterallayers 2754 e is mounted to the coupling member 2751 via welds 2754 f;however, other joining methods could be used. In various instances, thewelds 2754 f are located distally with respect to the welds 2754 d. As aresult, the attachment points of the lateral layers 2754 e to thecoupling member 2751 are positioned distally with respect to theattachment point of the center layer 2754 b. Due to this longitudinaloffset, the welds 2754 d and 2754 f can withstand and transmit torqueloads. Moreover, the welds 2754 d and 2754 f are not in the same shearplane and the possibility of the coupling member 2751 becoming detachedfrom the firing bar 2754 is reduced.

As discussed in greater detail below, a firing assembly, or cuttingmember, can be part of, and/or comprise, a lockout system configured toprevent or limit the distal advancement of the firing assembly incertain instances. Referring again to FIGS. 9 and 10, the couplingmember 2551 of the firing assembly 2550 comprises a distal projection2559. The distal projection 2559 is part of a lockout arrangementconfigured to prevent the firing assembly 2550 from being advanceddistally in the event that an unspent staple cartridge is not properlypositioned in front of the firing assembly 2550. In such instances, thefiring assembly 2550 can be pushed downwardly into a locked out state bya biasing member when the firing assembly 2550 is advanced distally inorder to prevent the firing assembly 2550 from performing a staplefiring stroke. To the extent that an unspent staple cartridge isproperly positioned in front of the firing assembly 2550, the distalprojection 2559 can be supported by a sled in the staple cartridge whichcan allow the firing assembly 2550 to complete the staple firing stroke.The entire disclosures of:

U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,352, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING ASINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING, which issued on May16, 2006;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,923, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING AFIRING LOCKOUT FOR AN UNCLOSED ANVIL, which issued on Dec. 5, 2006;

U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,649, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING ASPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, which issued on Jan. 24, 2006;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVINGSEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which issued on Feb. 21,2006; and

U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,921, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTINCORPORATING AN E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM, which issued on Dec. 27, 2005,are incorporated by reference herein.

A firing assembly 2350 of a surgical instrument 2300 is illustrated inFIGS. 19-21. The firing assembly 2350 comprises a coupling member 2351and a firing bar 2354 mounted to the coupling member 2351. The couplingmember 2351 is similar to the coupling member 2551 in many respects. Thefiring bar 2354 comprises a plurality of layers including central layer2354 b and lateral layers 2354 e. The surgical instrument 2300 isconfigured to receive a staple cartridge having a sled stored thereinthat, during a staple firing stroke, is advanced distally by the firingassembly 2350. The staple cartridge 2010, for example, comprises acartridge body 2011 and, in addition, a sled 2014 which is movablethrough the cartridge body 2011 from a proximal, unfired position to adistal, fired position during the staple firing stroke. When the sled2014 is in its proximal, unfired position, the staple cartridge 2010 isunspent. When the sled 2014 has been moved distally from its proximal,unfired position, the staple cartridge 2010 becomes spent.

The firing assembly 2350 further comprises a lockout system. The lockoutsystem is configured to prevent the firing assembly 2350 from beingadvanced distally to perform a staple firing stroke if an unspent staplecartridge, such as staple cartridge 2010, for example, is not properlypositioned in the surgical instrument 2300, as illustrated in FIG. 20.In fact, a staple cartridge is entirely missing from the surgicalinstrument 2300 in FIG. 20. Correspondingly, the lockout system isconfigured to permit the firing assembly 2350 to be advanced distally toperform a staple firing stroke if an unspent staple cartridge, such asstaple cartridge 2010, for example, is properly positioned in thesurgical instrument 2300, as illustrated in FIG. 21.

Referring primarily to FIG. 19, the firing assembly 2350 comprises alockout bar 2360 slidably mounted to the firing bar 2354. The lockoutbar 2360 comprises a longitudinal portion 2364 and a distal end 2366.The longitudinal portion 2364 of the lockout bar 2360 extends through alongitudinal clearance slot defined between the lateral layers 2354 e ofthe firing bar 2354. The distal end 2366 of the lockout bar 2360 extendsthrough an aperture 2359 defined in the coupling member 2351 andprojects distally from the coupling member 2351. The lockout bar 2360 isslidable between a distal, or locked, position (FIG. 20) and a proximal,or unlocked, position (FIG. 21) when an unspent staple cartridge 2010 isproperly positioned in the cartridge jaw 2020. More specifically,further to the above, an unspent staple cartridge 2010 comprises a sled2014 in its proximal, unfired position which contacts the lockout bar2360 and pushes the lockout bar 2360 proximally when the unspent staplecartridge 2010 is inserted into the cartridge jaw 2020. The sled 2014 isreleasably retained to the cartridge body 2011 such that the sled 2014remains in its proximal, unfired position while pushing the lockout bar2360 proximally. In at least one instance, the cartridge body 2011comprises one or more detents which releasably hold the sled 2014 in itsproximal, unfired position.

The firing assembly 2350 further comprises a firing rod 2352 having alongitudinal slot 2358 defined therein. The firing bar 2354 comprises aproximal end 2355 positioned in the longitudinal slot 2358 and,similarly, the lockout bar 2360 comprises a proximal end 2365 which isalso positioned in the longitudinal slot 2358. When the lockout bar 2360is in its locked position, as illustrated in FIG. 20, a lock 2370 isengaged with the firing rod 2352 which prevents the firing rod 2352 frombeing advanced distally. Correspondingly, in such instances, the lock2370 prevents the firing rod 2352 from advancing the firing bar 2354,and the coupling member 2351, through a staple firing stroke. The lock2370 is rotatably mounted to a shaft 2340 of the surgical instrument2300 about a pivot 2371 and comprises a lock shoulder engaged with alock recess, or notch, 2378 defined in the firing rod 2352. The lock2370 is biased into engagement with the firing rod 2352 by a spring2372.

Upon comparing FIGS. 20 and 21, further to the above, it can be seenthat the lockout bar 2360 moves relative to the firing bar 2354 when thelockout bar 2360 is moved between its locked position (FIG. 20) and itsunlocked position (FIG. 21) when an unspent staple cartridge 2010 isloaded into the surgical instrument 2300. The firing assembly 2350further comprises a biasing member, or spring, 2368 positionedintermediate the proximal end 2355 of the firing bar 2354 and theproximal end 2365 of the lockout bar 2360 which is compressed betweenthe proximal ends 2355 and 2365 when the lockout bar 2360 is movedproximally. If the unspent staple cartridge 2010 were to be removed fromthe cartridge jaw 2020 before the staple cartridge 2010 is fired, thebiasing member 2368 would resiliently expand and push the lockout bar2360 distally into its locked position and allow the spring 2372 toreturn the lock 2370 into its locked position and re-engage the firingrod 2352. Stated another way, the spring 2368 biases the lockout bar2360 into its locked position in the absence of an unspent staplecartridge in the cartridge jaw 2020.

When the lockout bar 2360 is moved proximally into its unlockedcondition, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the proximal end 2365 of thelockout bar 2360 engages the lock 2370 and rotates the lock 2370downwardly out of engagement with the firing rod 2352 against the biasof the spring 2372. At such point, the firing assembly 2350 can beadvanced distally to perform the staple firing stroke. Notably, thefiring rod 2352 pushes the firing bar 2354 distally. More specifically,the proximal sidewall of the longitudinal slot 2358 abuts the proximalend 2355 of the firing bar 2354 as the firing rod 2352 is advanceddistally. Also, notably, the firing bar 2354 pushes the lockout bar 2360distally via the spring 2368. As a result, the lockout bar 2360 travelswith the firing bar 2354 when the firing bar 2354 is moved distallyduring the staple firing stroke.

Further to the above, the distal movement of the firing bar 2354 and thelockout bar 2360 during the staple firing stroke moves the proximal end2365 of the lockout bar 2360 away from the lock 2370. In such instances,however, the lock recess 2378 defined in the firing rod 2352 is nolonger in alignment with the lock 2370. As a result, the lock 2370cannot re-engage the firing rod 2352 and lock the firing rod 2352 inposition even though the lockout bar 2360 has been disengaged from thelock 2370. When the firing rod 2352 is retracted in order to reset thesurgical instrument 2300, the firing rod 2352 can pull the firing bar2354 and the lockout bar 2360 proximally to the position illustrated inFIG. 20. In such instances, the lock recess 2378 is re-aligned with thelock 2370 such that the spring 2372 can re-engage the lock 2370 with thefiring rod 2352 and re-lock the firing assembly 2350 in position. Invarious instances, the firing rod 2352 further comprises a ramp 2375configured to deflect the lock 2370 downwardly as the firing rod 2352 isbeing retracted.

Further to the above, the firing rod 2352 is pulled proximally after astaple firing stroke to retract the firing bar 2354, the lockout bar2360, and the coupling member 2351 of the firing assembly 2350. Notably,the sled 2014 of the staple cartridge 2010 is not retracted by thefiring rod 2352. Instead, the sled 2014 remains in its fired position.As a result, the lockout bar 2360 is pushed out of its locked positionwhen the firing assembly 2350 is returned to its reset position and, assuch, the firing assembly 2350 is prevented from being advanced distallyonce again until the spent staple cartridge 2010 is removed from thecartridge jaw 2020 and an unspent staple cartridge 2010, for example, isproperly positioned in the cartridge jaw 2020.

Moreover, further to the above, it should be appreciated that the sled2014 of a spent staple cartridge 2010 cannot contact the lockout bar2360 when the spent staple cartridge 2010 is loaded into the cartridgejaw 2020 because the sled 2014 is not in its proximal position and, as aresult, the sled 2014 cannot unlock the firing assembly 2350.

A surgical instrument 2900 comprising a firing assembly 2950 isillustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23. Similar to the above, the firingassembly 2950 comprises a lockout system configured to prevent thefiring assembly 2950 from being advanced distally to perform a staplefiring stroke without an unspent staple cartridge 2910, for example,properly positioned in the cartridge jaw 2020. In at least one instance,the surgical instrument 2900 can comprise the lock 2370 and lock spring2372 arrangement discussed above in connection with the surgicalinstrument 2300, for example, which can block the distal advancement ofthe firing assembly 2950 when an unspent staple cartridge is notproperly seated in the cartridge jaw 2020, as illustrated in FIG. 22.When an unspent staple cartridge 2910 is properly seated in thecartridge jaw 2020, as illustrated in FIG. 23, the lockout system canpermit the firing assembly 2950 to perform the staple firing stroke. Thestaple cartridge 2910 is similar to the staple cartridge 2010 in manyrespects and comprises a cartridge body 2912 and a sled 2916 movablefrom a proximal, unfired position (FIG. 23) to a distal, fired positionby the firing assembly 2950 during the staple firing stroke.

The firing assembly 2950 comprises a firing rod 2952, a firing bar 2954,and a coupling member 2951 mounted to the firing bar 2954. The couplingmember 2951 is similar to the coupling member 2551 in many respects. Thefiring bar 2954 comprises a proximal portion 2955 slidably positioned ina longitudinal slot 2958 defined in the firing rod 2952. The firingassembly 2950 further comprises a biasing member, or compression spring,2966 positioned in the longitudinal slot 2958 intermediate the proximalportion 2955 of the firing bar 2954 and the firing rod 2952. When anunspent staple cartridge 2910 is not positioned in the cartridge jaw2020, as illustrated in FIG. 22, the spring 2966 is configured to biasthe firing bar 2954 forward. In this forward position of the firing bar2954, a key 2965 of the firing bar 2954 is not engaged with the lock2370 and, as a result, the spring 2372 biases the lock 2370 into thelock recess 2378 defined in the firing rod 2952 which prevents thefiring rod 2952 from being advanced distally to perform a staple firingstroke.

When an unspent staple cartridge 2910 is properly positioned in thecartridge jaw 2020, as illustrated in FIG. 23, the sled 2916 directlycontacts the coupling member 2951 and pushes the firing bar 2954proximally into its unlocked position. In this proximal position of thefiring bar 2954, the key 2965 of the firing bar 2954 is engaged with thelock 2370 and holds the lock 2370 out of the lock notch 2378 in thefiring rod 2952. In such instances, as a result, the firing rod 2952 canbe advanced distally to push the firing bar 2954, the coupling member2951, and the sled 2916 through the staple firing stroke. Similar to theabove, the firing rod 2952 can be retracted to pull the firing bar 2954and the coupling member 2951 proximally to reset the surgical instrument2900. Also similar to the above, the sled 2916 is not retracted with thefiring assembly 2950 and, as a result, the firing bar 2954 is in itsforward, or locked, position after the firing assembly 2950 has beenretracted. The reader should appreciate that the spent staple cartridge2910 must be replaced with an unspent staple cartridge 2910 to unlockthe lock 2370 from the firing assembly 2950 and use the surgicalinstrument 2900 once again.

A surgical instrument 3000 comprising a shaft 3040 and a firing assembly3050 is illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25. Similar to the above, the firingassembly 3050 comprises a lockout system configured to prevent thefiring assembly 3050 from being advanced distally to perform a staplefiring stroke without an unspent staple cartridge 3010, for example,properly positioned in the cartridge jaw 2020. The surgical instrument3000 comprises a lock 3070 in the shaft 3040 which, similar to lock2370, can block the distal advancement of the firing assembly 3050, asillustrated in FIG. 24. When an unspent staple cartridge 3010 isproperly seated in the cartridge jaw 2020, as illustrated in FIG. 25,the lockout system can permit the firing assembly 3050 to perform thestaple firing stroke. The staple cartridge 3010 is similar to the staplecartridge 2010 in many respects and comprises a cartridge body 3012 anda sled 3016 movable from a proximal, unfired position (FIG. 25) to adistal, fired position by the firing assembly 3050 during the staplefiring stroke.

The firing assembly 3050 comprises a firing rod 3052, a firing bar 3054,and a coupling member 2951 mounted to the firing bar 3054. The firingbar 3054 comprises a proximal portion 3055 slidably positioned in alongitudinal slot 3058 defined in the firing rod 3052. The firingassembly 3050 further comprises a biasing member, or compression spring,3066 positioned in the longitudinal slot 3058 intermediate the firingrod 3052 and proximal portion 3055 of the firing bar 3054. When anunspent staple cartridge 3010 is not positioned in the cartridge jaw2020, as illustrated in FIG. 24, the spring 3066 is configured to biasthe firing bar 3054 forward. In this forward position of the firing bar3054, a leaf spring 3072 biases the lock 3070 into the lock notch 2378defined in the firing rod 3052 which prevents the firing rod 3052 frombeing advanced distally to perform a staple firing stroke.

When an unspent staple cartridge 3010 is positioned in the cartridge jaw2020, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the sled 3016 directly contacts thecoupling member 2951 and pushes the firing bar 3054 proximally into itsunlocked position. In this proximal position of the firing bar 3054, theproximal end 3055 of the firing bar 3054 is engaged with the lock 3070and holds the lock 3070 out of the lock notch 2378 in the firing rod3052 against the biasing force of the leaf spring 3072. In suchinstances, as a result, the firing rod 3052 can be advanced distally topush the firing bar 3054, the coupling member 2951, and the sled 3016through the staple firing stroke. Similar to the above, the firing rod3052 can be retracted to pull the firing bar 3054 and the couplingmember 2951 proximally to reset the surgical instrument 3000. Alsosimilar to the above, the sled 3016 is not retracted with the firingassembly 3050 and, as a result, the firing bar 3054 is in its forward,or locked, position after the firing assembly 3050 has been retracted.The reader should appreciate that the spent staple cartridge 3010 mustbe replaced with an unspent staple cartridge 3010 to unlock the lock3070 from the firing assembly 3050 and use the surgical instrument 3000once again.

As discussed above, the lock 2370 is positioned in the shafts of thesurgical instruments 2900 and 3000; however, the lock 2370 can be placedin any suitable location. In various instances, the surgical instrument2900 and/or 3000, for example, can comprise an articulation joint aboutwhich an end effector, including the jaws 2020 and 2030, can bearticulated. In at least one instance, the lock 2370 is positioneddistally with respect to the articulation joint. In such instances, thelockout system is unaffected by the articulation joint. In otherinstances, the lock 2370 is positioned proximally with respect to thearticulation joint. Placing the lock 2370 in such a position can shortenthe portion of the surgical instrument which is distal to thearticulation joint and improve the accessibility of the surgicalinstrument into a small surgical site, for instance.

As discussed above, a firing assembly of a surgical instrument can beadvanced distally through a staple cartridge to eject the staples fromthe staple cartridge during a staple firing stroke. As also discussedabove, the staple cartridge can comprise a sled which is pushed distallyby the firing assembly to drive the staples out of the staple cartridgeduring the staple firing stroke. In various instances, however, aclinician may not be able to observe the progress of the staple firingstroke. Absent such information, the clinician may not know whether thetissue captured within the surgical instrument has been sufficientlystapled.

Turning now to FIGS. 26-30, a surgical instrument 3100 comprises acartridge jaw 3120 configured to receive a staple cartridge 3110therein. The cartridge jaw 3120 comprises a bottom portion and lateralside walls 3122 extending from the bottom portion. The staple cartridge3110 is positionable between the lateral side walls 3122 of thecartridge jaw 3120. The staple cartridge 3110 and the cartridge jaw 3120comprise co-operating features configured to align and releasably holdthe staple cartridge 3110 in a seated position (FIGS. 27-29). The staplecartridge 3110 further comprises a sled 3116 movable between a proximal,unfired position (FIGS. 26 and 27) and a distal, fired position (FIG.29) by the firing assembly 2550 during a staple firing stroke.

The cartridge jaw 3120 comprises a series of openings, or windows,defined in a lateral side wall 3122. The windows of the cartridge jaw3120 comprise a proximal window 3127, a distal window 3129, and anintermediate window 3128 positioned intermediate the proximal window3127 and the distal window 3129. Each window 3127, 3128, and 3129comprises an elongate longitudinal through hole positioned along alongitudinal axis 3121; however, the windows 3127, 3128, and 3129 canhave any suitable arrangement. In at least one instance, theintermediate window 3128 is positioned at the midpoint between theproximal window 3127 and the distal window 3129. In other instances, theintermediate window 3128 can be positioned at any suitable locationbetween the proximal window 3127 and the distal window 3129. In at leastone instance, the cartridge jaw 3120 can comprise more than oneintermediate window 3128.

The staple cartridge 3110 comprises a series of openings, or windows,defined in the lateral sides of the cartridge body 3112. The windows ofthe staple cartridge 3110 comprise a proximal window 3117, a distalwindow 3119, and an intermediate window 3118 positioned intermediate theproximal window 3117 and the distal window 3119. Each window 3117, 3118,and 3119 comprises an elongate longitudinal through hole positionedalong a longitudinal axis 3111; however, the windows 3117, 3118, and3119 can have any suitable arrangement. In at least one instance, theintermediate window 3118 is positioned at the midpoint between theproximal window 3117 and the distal window 3119. In other instances, theintermediate window 3118 can be positioned at any suitable locationbetween the proximal window 3117 and the distal window 3119. In at leastone instance, the staple cartridge 3110 can comprise more than oneintermediate window 3118.

When the staple cartridge 3110 is fully seated in the cartridge jaw3120, the windows in the staple cartridge 3110 are aligned with thewindows in the cartridge jaw 3120. More specifically, the proximalcartridge window 3117 is aligned with the proximal jaw window 3127, theintermediate cartridge window 3118 is aligned with the intermediate jawwindow 3128, and the distal cartridge window 3119 is aligned with thedistal jaw window 3129. In such instances, the windows 3117 and 3127form a first pair of aligned apertures, the windows 3118 and 3128 form asecond pair of aligned apertures, and the windows 3119 and 3129 form athird pair of aligned apertures. As a result, a clinician can look intothe staple cartridge 3110 through the cartridge jaw 3120 at threedistinct locations.

Further to the above, the staple cartridge 3110 engages the cartridgejaw 3120 in a snap-fit connection when the staple cartridge 3110 isfully seated within the cartridge jaw 3120. In such instances, thelongitudinal axis 3111 of the staple cartridge 3110 is aligned with thelongitudinal axis 3121 of the cartridge jaw 3120. When the axes 3111 and3121 are perfectly aligned, the edges of the cartridge windows 3118 and3119 are not offset with respect to the jaw windows 3128 and 3129,respectively. To the extent that the axes 3111 and 3121 are somewhataligned, but not perfectly aligned, the cartridge windows 3118 and 3119may be offset with respect to the jaw windows 3128 and 3129. In eitherevent, the at least substantially aligned windows can serve the purposeof observing the position of the sled 3116 during the firing stroke, asdiscussed below.

When the sled 3116 is in its proximal, unfired position, as illustratedin FIG. 27, the sled 3116 is visible through the aligned cartridgewindow 3117 and jaw window 3127. In such instances, a clinician canvisually observe that the staple cartridge 3110 is unspent. If the sled3116 is not visible through the aligned cartridge window 3117 and jawwindow 3127 prior to the beginning of the staple firing stroke, then theclinician can assume that the staple cartridge 3110 has been at leastpartially spent and that a lockout of the stapling instrument 3100, suchas those described herein, for example, may be actuated if the spentstaple cartridge 3110 is not replaced with an unspent staple cartridge.Moreover, if the sled 3116 is not visible through the aligned cartridgewindow 3117 and jaw window 3127 during the staple firing stroke, thenthe clinician can assume that the staple firing stroke is in progress.

When the sled 3116 has been moved half-way through the staple firingstroke, referring now to FIG. 28, the sled 3116 is visible through thealigned cartridge window 3118 and jaw window 3128. In such instances, aclinician can visually observe that the staple cartridge 3110 has beenpartially spent. Although the windows 3118 and 3128 are aligned at themidpoint of the staple firing stroke, the windows 3118 and 3128 can bealigned at any suitable location. Moreover, any suitable number ofwindow pairs 3118 and 3128 can be utilized to observe the sled 3116during the staple firing stroke. When the sled 3116 is in its distal,fired position, as illustrated in FIG. 29, the sled 3116 is visiblethrough the aligned cartridge window 3119 and jaw window 3129. In suchinstances, a clinician can visually observe that the staple cartridge3110 has been completely spent. Understanding whether or not a staplecartridge has been completely, or at least sufficiently, spent isimportant for a clinician in determining whether or not to retract thefiring assembly 2550. For instance, referring to FIG. 30, a clinicianwould know that the vessel V captured between the staple cartridge 3010and the anvil jaw 2030 has been completely stapled when they can observethe sled 3116 in the distal window 3129.

Referring primarily to FIG. 26, the sled 3116 comprises a demarcation3115 which is observable through the aligned cartridge and jaw windowsand can assist a clinician in understanding the position of the sled3116 within the staple cartridge 3110. In at least one instance, thedemarcation 3115 comprises a color which is different than the color ofthe cartridge jaw 3120 and/or the sled 3116, such as blue, for example.In certain instances, the demarcation can comprise a ridge, for example.

Referring primarily to FIG. 26, the cartridge jaw 3120 further comprisesa proximal datum 3123 p and a distal datum 3123 d. When the sled 3116 isin its proximal, unfired position, the demarcation 3115 is aligned withthe proximal datum 3123 p. In such instances, the proximal datum 3123 pcan assist a clinician in determining whether the staple cartridge 3110is unspent. When the sled 3116 is in its distal, completely firedposition, the demarcation 3115 is aligned with the distal datum 3123 d.In such instances, the proximal datum 3123 p can assist a clinician indetermining whether the staple cartridge 3110 has been completely spent.The datums 3123 p and 3123 d comprise narrow linear vertical markings onthe cartridge jaw 3120; however, the datums 3123 p and 3123 d cancomprise any suitable configuration. In at least one instance, thedatums 3123 p and 3123 d are the same color as the demarcation 3115. Inother instances, the datums 3123 p and 3123 d are a different color thanthe demarcation 3115.

Further to the above, the intermediate cartridge window 3118 is the samesize as the intermediate jaw window 3128. Similarly, the distalcartridge window 3119 is the same size as the distal jaw window 3129.That said, the proximal cartridge window 3117 is not the same size asthe proximal jaw window 3127. The proximal cartridge window 3117 isnarrower than the proximal jaw window 3127 as measured along thelongitudinal axes 3111 and 3121. In at least one instance, the proximalcartridge window 3117 has the same width as the demarcation 3115. Insuch instances, a clinician can accurately assess whether or not thesled 3116 has been advanced distally even the slightest amount.

As discussed above, the cartridge jaw 3120 is configured to receive areplaceable staple cartridge therein; however, the cartridge and jawwindows disclosed herein can be used with a stapling assembly that doesnot comprise a replaceable staple cartridge. Moreover, the cartridge andjaw windows disclosed herein can be adapted to either side or both sidesof a stapling assembly.

Referring to FIGS. 31-34, a cartridge jaw 3220 comprises a bottomportion, or wall, 3221 and lateral side portions, or walls, 3222extending from the bottom wall 3221. Similar to the above, the cartridgejaw 3220 is configured to receive a replaceable staple cartridge betweenthe side walls 3222. The bottom wall 3221 comprises a longitudinal slot3223 defined therein which is configured to receive the bottom cam ofthe firing assembly 2550, for example.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 33 and 34, the longitudinal slot 3223comprises a central portion 3224. The central portion 3224 is part of aT-shaped configuration that includes lateral portions 3225 which extendlaterally from the central portion 3224. The longitudinal slot 3223further comprises a proximal opening, or window, 3227 and a distalopening, or window, 3229 at the opposite ends of the central portion3224. The sled of a staple cartridge is aligned with the proximalopening 3227 when the sled is in its proximal, unfired position. In suchinstances, a clinician can observe whether or not the staple cartridgehas been spent. Similarly, the sled is aligned with the distal opening3229 when the sled is in its distal, fully-fired position. In suchinstances, a clinician can observe whether or not the staple cartridgehas been completely spent.

Referring again to FIGS. 31 and 32, the longitudinal slot 3223 furthercomprises intermediate openings, or windows, 3228 defined in the bottomwall 3221 between the proximal opening 3227 and the distal opening 3229.Similar to the above, the progression of the sled during the staplefiring stroke can be observed through the openings 3228. The openings3228 are elongate in the longitudinal direction; however, the openings3228 can comprise any suitable configuration. The openings 3228 arespaced periodically such that the bottom wall 3221 is sufficiently stiffbetween the lateral side walls 3222. Moreover, any suitable number ofopenings 3228 can be used, although the bottom wall 3221 will be stifferwith less openings 3228.

Referring primarily to FIG. 32, the openings 3228 are offset withrespect to the central portion 3224 of the longitudinal slot 3223.Stated another way, each opening 3228 comprises a longitudinal axiswhich is not collinear with a longitudinal axis of the central portion3224. Moreover, the openings 3228 are staggered with respect thelongitudinal axis of the central portion 3224 in an alternating manner.In at least one instance, a first opening 3228 is defined on one side ofthe longitudinal axis while a second opening 3228 is defined on theopposite side of the longitudinal axis. This pattern of the openings3228 repeats along the length of the longitudinal slot 3223. Such anarrangement can increase the width of the walls between the openings3228 and, as a result, increase the stiffness of the bottom wall 3221 ascompared to embodiments where all of the openings 3228 are positionedalong the longitudinal axis of the central portion. Other embodiments,however, are envisioned.

As discussed herein, a surgical instrument can comprise a firingassembly configured to apply a firing load, or force, to a sled of astaple cartridge during a firing stroke. The firing load is sufficientto push the staples out of the staple cartridge and into the tissue of apatient, deform the staples against an anvil, and incise the tissue. Incertain instances, the firing load can increase significantly beyond athreshold which is deemed safe and/or suitable for the operation of thesurgical instrument. In at least one such instance, the firing load canincrease significantly when the firing assembly abuts a missingcartridge lockout and/or a spent cartridge lockout, for example.

Referring now to FIGS. 35-38, a surgical instrument 3500 comprises ashaft 3540 and a firing assembly 3550. The firing assembly 3550comprises a first firing rod 3551, a second firing rod 3552, and afiring bar 3554. The firing assembly 3550 further comprises a biasingmember, or spring, 3556 positioned intermediate the first firing rod3551 and the second firing rod 3552. When the first firing rod 3551 isadvanced distally, the first firing rod 3551 pushes the second firingrod 3552 distally via the spring 3556. The distal end of the secondfiring rod 3552 is connected to the firing bar 3554 at aninterconnection 3553 and, when the second firing rod 3552 is advanceddistally, the second firing rod 3552 pushes the firing bar 3554distally. Stated another way, a firing load can be transmitted from thefirst firing rod 3551 to the second firing rod 3552 through the spring3556 and ultimately to the firing bar 3554.

Further to the above, the spring 3556 is compressed between the firstfiring rod 3551 and the second firing rod 3552 in response to the firingload, or force, transmitted through the firing assembly 3550. When thefiring load transmitted through the firing assembly 3550 is below apredetermined force threshold, the spring 3556 transmits the firing loadto the second firing rod 3552 to perform the firing stroke, asillustrated in FIG. 35. When the firing load exceeds the threshold, thespring 3556 is compressed to a point in which a proximal end 3555 of thesecond firing rod 3552 actuates a lockout system which prevents thefiring assembly 3550 from being advanced through its staple firingstroke, as illustrated in FIG. 36. At such point, the clinician canevaluate the surgical instrument 3500 as to why the firing forcethreshold of the surgical instrument 3500 was exceeded.

Further to the above, the spring 3556, when compressed, applies abiasing force to the second firing rod 3552 which opposes the proximalmovement of the second firing rod 3552 relative to the first firing rod3551. The threshold force of the firing assembly 3550 accounts for thefiring force needed to staple and cut the tissue and, in addition, thebiasing force created by the spring 3556. In various instances, thebiasing force of the spring 3556 opposes the firing force transmittedthrough the second firing rod 3552. Moreover, the biasing force of thespring 3556 increases linearly, and proportionately, in response to therelative movement between the second firing rod 3552 and the firstfiring rod 3551. That said, once the force transmitted through thefiring assembly 3550 exceeds the threshold force, the lockout systemswitches between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration,as discussed in greater detail below.

Further to the above, and as also described in greater detail below, thelockout system of the firing assembly 3550 can be tripped, or actuated,into a locked stated when the compression of the spring 3556 hasexceeded a threshold compression, or deflection. Stated another way, thelockout system does not actuate into a locked state while thecompression of the spring 3556 is below the threshold compression of thespring 3556.

The lockout system comprises, further to the above, a lock 3570rotatably mounted to a frame 3542 of the shaft 3540 about a pivot 3571and, in addition, a lock actuator 3577 mounted to the first firing rod3551. The lock 3570 is held in an unlocked position, or configuration,by the lock actuator 3577 when the lock actuator 3577 has not beenactuated. The lock actuator 3577 is rotatably mounted to the firstfiring rod 3551 and is rotatable between an unactuated position (FIG.35) and an actuated position (FIG. 36). When the spring 3556 of thefiring assembly 3550 is not compressed more than its thresholdcompression, or above its force threshold, as illustrated in FIG. 35,the lock actuator 3577 is biased into its unactuated position by atorsion spring 3576 and the lock 3570 is held out of engagement with thefiring assembly 3550.

When the spring 3556 is compressed more than its threshold compression,or above its force threshold, the proximal end 3555 of the second firingrod 3552 engages the lock actuator 3577 and rotates the lock actuator3577 into its actuated position, as illustrated in FIG. 36. In suchinstances, the lock 3570 is released by the lock actuator 3577 andengages the second firing rod 3552. More specifically, the lockoutsystem further comprises a biasing member, or spring, 3572 configured topush the lock 3570 into engagement with the second firing rod 3552 oncethe lock 3570 is released. The lock 3570 comprises a lock shoulder 3578which is configured to be received within a lock recess, or notch, 3558defined in the second firing rod 3552 which prevents the firing assembly3550 from being advanced distally.

The reader should appreciate that the lock 3570 of the lockout systemcan only stop the advancement of the firing assembly 3550 when the locknotch 3558 defined in the second firing rod 3552 is aligned with thelock 3570. Once the firing assembly 3550 is advanced distally during thestaple firing stroke and the lock notch 3558 is moved out of alignmentwith the lock shoulder 3578, as illustrated in FIG. 37, the lock 3570 isconstrained in its unlocked position, or configuration, by the firstfiring rod 3551 throughout the firing stroke of the firing assembly3550. As such, the lockout system of the firing assembly 3550 comprisesa beginning-of-stroke lockout that stops the firing assembly 3550 fromperforming a staple firing stroke.

Further to the above, a missing cartridge lockout and/or a spentcartridge lockout in the end effector of the surgical instrument 3500,for example, can block the distal advancement of the firing assembly3550 when a spent staple cartridge is seated in the end effector of thesurgical instrument 3500 and/or an unspent staple cartridge is missingfrom the end effector altogether. In such instances, the forcetransmitted through the firing assembly 3550 will increase above thethreshold force and the lockout system of the firing assembly 3550 canrespond by also blocking the distal advancement of the firing assembly3550. In various instances, the firing assembly lockout can bolster themissing cartridge and/or spent cartridge lockout. In such instances, asa result, the firing assembly 3550 cannot be used to cut tissue withoutan unspent staple cartridge properly seated in the end effector of thesurgical instrument 3500.

In order to reset the firing assembly 3550, further to the above, theclinician can operate the surgical instrument 3500 to retract the firingassembly 3550 proximally. In at least one instance, the surgicalinstrument 3500 comprises an electric motor configured to drive thefiring assembly 3550 through its staple firing stroke which can beoperated in reverse to retract the firing assembly 3550. When the firingassembly 3550 is at least partially retracted, the spring 3556 canre-expand and push the second firing rod 3552 away from the first firingrod 3551 to disengage the second firing rod 3552 from the lock actuator3577 of the lockout system. At such point, the firing assembly 3550 canbe advanced distally to complete its staple firing stroke, asillustrated in FIG. 37.

A staple cartridge 3610 comprising a spent cartridge lockout isillustrated in FIGS. 39-42. The staple cartridge 3610 comprises acartridge body 3612 including staple cavities and a longitudinal slot3614 defined therein. Referring primarily to FIG. 41, the staplecartridge 3610 further comprises a sled 3616 which is movable between aproximal, unfired position (FIG. 39) and a distal, fired position by afiring assembly, such as firing assembly 2550, for example, to ejectstaples removably stored in the staple cavities during a staple firingstroke. Referring now to FIG. 39, a portion of the sled 3616 travelswithin the longitudinal slot 3614 during the staple firing stroke.Moreover, referring to FIG. 40, a portion of the firing assembly 2550also travels within the longitudinal slot 3614 during the staple firingstroke. More specifically, the firing assembly 2550 comprises a couplingmember 2551 that travels within the slot 3614.

The staple cartridge 3610 further comprises a lock 3670. The lock 3670comprises a first end mounted to the cartridge body 3612 and a secondend 3672 that extends into the longitudinal slot 3614. When the staplecartridge 3610 is in an unfired condition and the sled 3616 is in itsproximal, unfired position, referring again to FIG. 40, the second end3672 of the lock 3670 is flexed into and held in an unlocked state bythe sled 3616. In such instances, the lock 3670 cannot prevent thestaple firing stroke from being initiated by the firing assembly 2550.As the sled 3616 is advanced distally by the firing assembly 2550, thesled 3616 is moved out of contact with the lock 3670. In such instances,the firing assembly 2550 continues to hold the lock 3670 in its unlockedconfiguration throughout the staple firing stroke.

After the staple firing stroke has been at least partially completed,the firing assembly 2550 can be retracted. In such instances, the sled3616 is not retracted with the firing assembly 2550. Instead, the sled3616 is left behind in a distal position within the cartridge body 3616.Thus, after the firing assembly 2550 has been completely retracted,referring to FIG. 42, the lock 3670 can unflex into a lockedconfiguration such that the second end 3672 blocks the longitudinal slot3614. Stated another way, the second end 3672 of the lock 3670 can blockthe firing assembly 2550 from being advanced through another staplefiring stroke.

Further to the above, the lock 3670 comprises a spent cartridge lockout.After the sled 3616 has been advanced distally out of alignment with thelock 3670, the staple cartridge 3610 has become a spent staple cartridgewhether or not all of, or any of, the staples have been ejected from thestaple cartridge 3610. Retraction of the firing assembly 2550 into itsunfired position, at such point, would cause the staple cartridge 3610to lock itself out. Accordingly, the staple cartridge 3610 would have tobe removed from the surgical instrument and replaced with an unspentstaple cartridge before the surgical instrument could be used onceagain.

Further to the above, the cartridge body 3610 can include a notch 3615configured to receive a portion of the lock 3670 when the lock 3670moves into its locked configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 42. Thenotch 3615 is defined in a sidewall of the longitudinal slot 3614 andpositioned opposite the first portion of the lock 3670 which is mountedto the cartridge body 3612. Interaction between the second end 3672 ofthe lock 3670 and the sidewalls of the notch 3615 can strengthen thelockout and reduce the possibility of the firing assembly 2550 beingpushed by the lock 3670. In addition to or in lieu of the above, thefiring assembly 2550 can comprise a lockout which is triggered, oractuated, when the firing assembly 2550 abuts the lock 3670.

Turning now to FIGS. 43-47, a firing assembly 3750 of a surgicalinstrument 3700 comprises a firing rod 3752 and a firing bar 3754. Thefiring rod 3752 comprises an aperture 3755 defined in the distal endthereof. The aperture 3755 comprises a proximal endwall 3756 and adistal endwall 3757. The firing bar 3754 comprises a lockout 3770positioned in the aperture 3755 at an interface 3753. When the firingrod 3752 is advanced distally during a staple firing stroke, theproximal endwall 3756 of the aperture 3755 contacts the lockout 3770 andpushes the firing bar 3754 distally. In the event that the forcetransmitted between the firing rod 3752 and the firing bar 3754 exceedsa predetermined force threshold, the lockout 3770 moves from an unlockedstate (FIG. 45) into a locked state (FIG. 46). Similar to the above, theforce threshold can be exceeded when the firing assembly 3750 abuts aspent cartridge lockout and/or a missing cartridge lockout, for example.

The lockout 3770 is rotatably and slidably mounted to the firing bar3754. The firing bar 3754 comprises a longitudinal slot 3775 definedtherein and the lockout 3770 comprises a pin 3771 slidably positionedwithin the slot 3775. The firing bar 3754 further comprises a spring3776 positioned intermediate the pin 3771 and a distal end of the slot3775. As a result, a firing force transmitted from the firing rod 3752can flow through the lockout 3770 and the lockout pin 3771, through thespring 3776, and into the firing bar 3754—so long as the firing force isbelow the force threshold. In the event that the firing force exceedsthe force threshold, the firing rod 3752 can push the lockout 3770distally within the longitudinal slot 3775, as illustrated in FIG. 46.In such instances, the lockout 3770 can also rotate upwardly intoengagement with a shaft 3740 of the surgical instrument 3700. Morespecifically, referring primarily to FIG. 44, the firing bar 3754comprises ledges 3772 extending laterally therefrom which prevent thelockout 3770 from rotating upwardly when the firing force is below thethreshold and the lockout 3770 is positioned in the proximal end of thelongitudinal slot 3775; however, once the lockout 3770 is pusheddistally away from the ledges 3772, the firing force acts to rotate thelockout 3770 upwardly as illustrated in FIG. 46.

Further to the above, the shaft 3740 comprises a frame 3742 including alock aperture 3748 defined therein which is configured to receive aportion of the lockout 3770 when the lockout 3770 is rotated upwardly.The interaction between the lockout 3770 and the sidewalls of the lockaperture 3748 prevent the firing assembly 3750 from being advanceddistally through its staple firing stroke. Similar to the above, thelock aperture 3748 is defined in the shaft 3740 at a location whichcorresponds to the initiation of the staple firing stroke. As a result,the lockout 3770 is configured and arranged to assist in locking out thesurgical instrument 3700 in the event that a staple cartridge is missingfrom, or a spent staple cartridge is positioned within, the surgicalinstrument 3700. That said, the lock aperture 3748 can be positioned inany suitable location. Moreover, more than one lock aperture 3748 can beutilized to provide more than one location in which the firing assembly3750 can be locked out.

The lockout 3770 can be reset after it has been moved into its lockedconfiguration (FIG. 46). Turning now to FIG. 47, the firing rod 3752 canbe moved proximally until the distal endwall 3757 of the aperture 3755contacts the lockout 3770 and, at such point, the endwall 3757 canrotate the lockout 3770 downwardly and positively return the lockout3770 to its unlocked configuration as the firing rod 3752 continues tomove proximally. Moreover, the firing rod 3752 can pull the lockout 3770back under the ledges 3772 (FIG. 44) as the firing rod 3752 is beingretracted. At such point, the firing assembly 3750 is reset and can bere-advanced distally—assuming that the impediment which blocked thefiring assembly 3750 has been addressed.

Turning now to FIGS. 48-51, a surgical instrument 3800 comprises a shaft3840 and a firing assembly 3850. The shaft 3840 comprises a frame 3842and a longitudinal passage configured to slidably receive the firingassembly 3850. The firing assembly 3850 comprises a first firing rod3851, a second firing rod 3852, and a firing bar 3854. The first firingrod 3851 is coupled to the second firing rod 3852 at an interconnection3853. In use, referring to FIG. 49, the interconnection 3853 isconfigured to transmit a force, or firing load, between the first firingrod 3851 and the second firing rod 3852. However, as discussed ingreater detail below, the interconnection 3853 is configured to slipwhen the firing load transmitted through the firing assembly 3850exceeds a predetermined force threshold.

Further to the above, the second firing rod 3852 comprises a proximalend 3855 positioned in a cavity defined in the distal end of the firstfiring rod 3851. The first firing rod 3851 further comprises lock arms3857 engaged with the proximal end 3855 of the second firing rod 3852which are configured to transmit the firing load from the first firingrod 3851 to the second firing rod 3852 when the firing load is below theforce threshold. More specifically, the lock arms 3857 push on inclinedsurfaces 3859 defined on the proximal end 3855 of the second firing rod3852. When the firing load exceeds the force threshold, the lock arms3857 slide along the inclined surfaces 3859 causing the interconnection3853 to slip, splay, and elastically flare outwardly to disrupt thefiring stroke of the firing assembly 3850.

Further to the above, referring to FIG. 50, the lock arms 3857 areconfigured to engage lock shoulders 3847 defined on the shaft frame 3842when the lock arms 3857 slide relative to the inclined surfaces 3859 andflare outwardly. The interaction between the lock arms 3857 and the lockshoulders 3847 prevents the firing assembly 3850 from being advancedthrough its staple firing stroke. Similar to the above, the lockshoulders 3847 are positioned at the beginning of the staple firingstroke of the firing assembly 3850 such that the lockout feature of thefiring assembly 3850 is responsive to a beginning-of-stroke lockout;however, the lock shoulders 3847 can be placed at any suitable location,or locations.

Further to the above, the firing assembly 3850 can be reset after it hasbeen locked out. The first firing rod 3851 can be retracted proximallyto operably re-engage the lock arms 3857 with the proximal end 3855 ofthe second firing rod 3852. In such instances, the lock arms 3857 canresiliently move inwardly to grasp the proximal end 3855. The firingassembly 3850 further comprises a biasing member, or spring, 3856configured to bias a head of the proximal end 3855 against the lock arms3857. Once the interconnection 3853 has been reset, referring to FIG.51, the firing assembly 3850 can be advanced through its staple firingstroke—assuming that the force threshold is not exceeded once again.Notably, the shaft frame 3842 prevents the lock arms 3857 fromdisengaging from the second firing rod 3852 during the staple firingstroke.

Turning now to FIGS. 52-56, a surgical instrument 3900 comprises a shaft3940, an end effector positioned at a distal end of the shaft 3940, anarticulation actuator 3980 configured to articulate the end effectorrelative to the shaft 3940, and a firing assembly 3950. The shaft 3940comprises a shaft frame 3942 which has a longitudinal cavity 3949defined therein. The firing assembly 3950 comprises a first firing rod3951, a second firing rod 3952, and a firing bar 3954. The first firingrod 3951 comprises a distal end 3957 operably engaged with a proximalend 3955 of the second firing rod 3952 at an interface 3953. When thefiring load transmitted through the firing assembly 3950 is below apredetermined force threshold, referring to FIGS. 52-55, the firingassembly 3950 can be pushed through a staple firing stroke. When thefiring load exceeds the predetermined threshold within, and only within,a lockout zone that is prior to or at the beginning of the staple firingstroke, referring to FIG. 56, the distal end 3957 of the first firingrod 3951 can slip relative to the proximal end 3955 of the second firingrod 3952 and stop the distal advancement of the second firing rod 3952.

Further to the above, in at least one embodiment, the distal end 3957 ofthe first firing rod 3951 comprises a barb and the proximal end 3955 ofthe second firing rod 3952 comprises a barb catch configured to becoupled with the barb of the distal end 3957. When the distal end 3957decouples from the proximal end 3955, the barb of the distal end 3957can engage a wall 3948 in the shaft 3940 and stop the distal advancementof the first firing rod 3951, and the firing assembly 3950, when thefirst firing rod 3951 slips relative to the second firing rod 3952.

Referring again to FIGS. 52 and 53, the firing assembly 3950 furthercomprises a firing collar 3959 slidably positioned in the longitudinalcavity 3949 of the shaft 3940. The firing collar 3959 is comprises of aresilient material which is frictionally-engaged with the sidewalls ofthe longitudinal cavity 3949, for example. Upon comparing FIGS. 52 and53, it can be seen that the second firing rod 3952 slides within thefiring collar 3959 while the firing collar 3959 remains stationaryduring the initial distal movement of the firing assembly 3950. Thisinitial distal movement of the firing assembly 3950 is not part of thestaple firing stroke. Such initial distal movement of the firingassembly 3950, however, can be used to perform a different functionwithin the end effector, such as closing the end effector, for example.

Further to the above, the first firing rod 3951 comprises a projection3960 defined thereon configured to engage the firing collar 3959 toinitiate the staple firing stroke. At such point, the interface 3953 ispositioned within the firing collar 3959 which prevents the distal end3957 of the first firing rod 3951 from slipping relative to the proximalend 3955 of the second firing rod 3952 during the staple firing stroke.As a result of the above, the interface 3953 can decouple prior to or atthe beginning of the staple firing stroke but, on the other hand, remainintact throughout the staple firing stroke. The firing collar 3959comprises a rigid proximal end 3958 that is engaged by the projection3960 and is pushed distally by the projection 3960 during the staplefiring stroke, as illustrated in FIG. 56. The firing assembly 3950further comprises a spring 3956 positioned intermediate and compressedbetween the firing bar 3954 and the firing collar 3959 which can assistin controlling the relative position between the firing bar 3954 and thefiring collar 3959.

Turning now to FIGS. 57-59, a surgical instrument 4000 comprises a shaft4040 and a firing assembly 4050. The shaft 4040 comprises a frame 4042including a longitudinal aperture 4048 defined therein. The firingassembly 4050 comprises a firing rod 4052 and a plurality of flexiblefiring bars, or layers, 4054 that are operably coupled to a distal end4057 of the firing rod 4052 at an interface 4053. The layers 4054 areconfigured to transmit a firing force from the firing rod 4052 to acoupling member 4051 of the firing assembly 4050 when the firing forceis below a predetermined force threshold, as illustrated in FIG. 57. Inthe event that the firing force exceeds the force threshold, the layers4054 can flex outwardly, as illustrated in FIG. 58, which can preventthe firing assembly 4050 from performing the staple firing stroke. Inorder to reset the firing assembly 4050, the firing rod 4052 can beretracted proximally to permit the layers 4054 to resiliently flexinwardly to their unflexed state. As illustrated in FIG. 59, the firingassembly 4050 further comprises a firing collar 4059 configured tobolster the layers 4054 and prevent the layers 4054 from flexingoutwardly during the staple firing stroke. Similar to the above, thefiring collar 4059 is comprised of a flexible material that isfrictionally-engaged with the sidewalls of the longitudinal shaftaperture 4048 and does not initially move with the layers 4054. Statedanother way, the firing collar 4059 does not travel with the layers 4054until the distal end 4057 of the firing rod 4052 contacts the firingcollar 4059.

Turning now to FIGS. 60-64, a surgical instrument 4100 comprises a shaft4040 and a firing assembly 4150. The firing assembly 4150 comprises afirst firing rod 4151, a second firing rod 4152, and a firing bar 4154.The first firing rod 4151 comprises a distal end positioned within anaperture 4153 defined in a proximal end of the second firing rod 4152.The second firing rod 4152 comprises a distal end comprising alongitudinal slot 4155 defined therein configured to receive a proximalend of the firing bar 4154. Referring primarily to FIGS. 60 and 61, thesecond firing rod 4152 comprises a wall 4157 configured to transmit afiring force from the second firing rod 4152 to the firing bar 4154. Thewall 4157 comprises a fuse. When the firing force is below apredetermined force threshold, the wall 4157 is configured to remainintact, as illustrated in FIG. 62. In at least one instance, the forcethreshold is 80 lbf, for example. The wall 4157, however, is configuredto fail when the firing force exceeds the force threshold, asillustrated in FIG. 63. At such point, the firing bar 4154 slidablewithin a longitudinal slot 4158 defined in the second firing rod 4152and the distal movement of the second firing rod 4152 is not transmittedto the firing bar 4154. The fuse, or wall, 4157 is not resettable.

The firing assembly 4150 can comprise other fuses in addition to or inlieu of the above. For instance, the second firing rod 4152 furthercomprises fuses 4156 positioned proximally with respect to the wall4157. Fuses 4156 comprise displaceable elements positioned within andfrictionally-engaged with the sidewalls of the longitudinal slot 4158.In certain embodiments, the fuses 4156 comprise walls integrally formedwith the sidewalls of the slot 4158. In at least one instance, the fuses4156 are each configured to fail at the same force threshold as the wall4157, such as 80 lbf, for example. In such instances, a fuse 4156 canpush the firing bar 4154 distally and the staple firing stroke can becompleted in the event that the firing force exceeded the forcethreshold for only a moment. In the event that the firing force exceedsthe force threshold for more than a moment, the fuses 4156 can failsequentially, as illustrated in FIG. 64. Alternatively, the fuses 4156can be configured to fail at a threshold, or thresholds, that are largerthan the force threshold of the wall 4157. For instance, the wall 4157can have a force threshold of 60 lbf while the fuses can have a forcethreshold of 80 lbf. In at least one embodiment, the fuses 4156 can beconfigured to fail at increasingly higher force thresholds. Forinstance, the distal-most fuse 4156 can comprise the weakest fuse 4156,the fuse 4156 adjacent to the distal-most fuse 4156 can be stronger thanthe distal-most fuse 4156, and so forth. In other embodiments, the fuses4156 fail at a lower force threshold than the wall 4157. In at least onesuch instance, the wall 4157 has a force threshold of 80 lbf and thefuses 4156 each have a force threshold of 60 lbf, for example.

Further to the above, the longitudinal slot 4158 has a length which isequal to or greater than the firing stroke of the firing assembly 4150.As a result, the second firing rod 4152 can be moved through its entirefiring stroke after the wall 4157 and fuses 4156 fail without the firingbar 4154 abutting the proximal end of the longitudinal slot 4158. Inorder to retract the firing bar 4154 after the wall 4157 and/or thefuses 4156 have failed, the second firing rod 4152 can be retracteduntil the distal end of the longitudinal slot 4158 engages the firingbar 4154 and pulls the firing bar 4154 proximally. In certain instances,the firing bar 4154 is frictionally-engaged with the sidewalls of thelongitudinal slot 4158 such that the firing bar 4154 can be retracted bythe second firing rod 4152 if the wall 4157 and/or the fuses 4156 havefailed.

Turning now to FIGS. 65-70, a surgical instrument 4200 comprises a shaft4040 and a firing assembly 4250. The firing assembly 4250 comprises afirst firing rod 4251, a second firing rod 4252 mounted to the firstfiring rod 4251, and a firing bar 4254. The second firing rod 4252comprises a distal end shoulder 4257 operably engaged with a proximalend shoulder 4255 of the firing bar 4254 at an interface 4253 totransmit a firing load through the firing assembly 4250 during a staplefiring stroke when the firing load is below a predetermined forcethreshold, as illustrated in FIGS. 65 and 66. The second firing rod 4252further comprises one or more biasing members 4256 extending laterallytherefrom. The biasing members 4256 are slidably engaged with thesidewalls of the longitudinal aperture 4048 in the shaft frame 4042. Thebiasing members 4256 are configured to bias the second firing rod 4252into engagement with the firing bar 4254. When the firing load exceedsthe force threshold, as illustrated in FIG. 67, the biasing members 4256can compress or deflect and permit the second firing rod 4252 to deflectlaterally and operably disengage from the firing bar 4254. At suchpoint, the second firing rod 4252 can slide relative to the firing bar4254 without transmitting the firing force to the second firing rod4252.

Further to the above, the firing assembly 4250 is resettable. Referringnow to FIG. 68, the first firing rod 4251 can be retracted proximally toretract the second firing rod 4252 such that, referring to FIG. 69, thedistal end shoulder 4257 of the second firing rod 4252 is realigned andoperably re-coupled with the proximal end shoulder 4255 of the firingbar 4254. In such instances, the biasing members 4256 can unflex andre-expand to re-align the second firing rod 4252 with the firing bar4254. At such point, referring now to FIG. 70, the firing assembly 4250can be advanced distally once again to complete the staple firingstroke. The reader should note that the interface 4253 of the firingassembly 4250 can decouple, and be recoupled, at any point before and/orduring the staple firing stroke. Thus, the interface 4253 can decouplewhen the firing assembly 4250 engages a missing cartridge lockout, aspent cartridge lockout, and/or at any other moment in which the firingforce becomes excessive.

Turning now to FIGS. 71-77, a surgical instrument 4300 comprises a shaft4340 and a firing assembly 4350. The shaft 4340 comprises a frame 4342.The frame 4342 comprises a proximal longitudinal aperture 4346 and adistal longitudinal aperture 4349 configured to receive the firingassembly 4350. The firing assembly 4350 comprises a first firing rod4351, a second firing rod 4352 operably coupled to the first firing rod4351, and a firing bar 4354 operably coupled to the second firing rod4352 at an interface 4353. The interface 4353 comprises a multi-stagefuse, as described in greater detail below.

Further to the above, the firing bar 4354 comprises a proximal connector4355 including drive recesses 4359 defined on opposite sides thereof.The proximal connector 4355 is positioned in a longitudinal slot 4358defined in the second firing rod 4352 and is operably, and releasably,coupled to the second firing rod 4352 via projections 4356 which extendinwardly from the sidewalls of the second firing rod 4352 to engage thedrive recesses 4359. In use, a firing load is transmitted from the firstfiring rod 4351, through the second firing rod 4352, and into the firingbar 4354 to perform a staple firing stroke when the firing load is belowa predetermined force threshold, as illustrated in FIGS. 71 and 72.

When the firing load transmitted through the firing assembly 4350exceeds the force threshold, referring now to FIG. 73, the sidewalls ofthe second firing rod 4352 can flex outwardly such that the projections4356 can disengage from the drive recesses 4359 defined in the connector4355. At such point, the firing bar 4354 is operably disengaged from thesecond firing rod 4352 and the staple firing stroke has beeninterrupted. When the interface 4353 decouples at the initiation of thestaple firing stroke, referring again to FIG. 73, the deflectedsidewalls of the second firing rod 4352 can flex outwardly into thelongitudinal aperture 4346 and engage the shaft frame 4342 to preventthe staple firing stroke of the firing assembly 4350. Stated anotherway, the deflected sidewalls of the second firing rod 4352 cannot enterthe longitudinal aperture 4349 when the firing load exceeds the forcethreshold which prevents the second firing rod 4352 from being advanceddistally.

When the firing load exceeds the force threshold during the staplefiring stroke, however, the sidewalls of the second firing rod 4352cannot deflect outwardly, or substantially outwardly, owing to theirclose proximity to the sidewalls of the longitudinal aperture 4349. As aresult, a complete decoupling of the interface 4353 does not immediatelyoccur if the force threshold is exceeded. Instead, referring to FIG. 74,the firing assembly 4350 can enter into a first failed state. In thefirst failed state of the firing assembly 4350, the projections 4356 ofthe second firing rod 4352 have decoupled from the drive recesses 4359defined in the proximal connector 4355 of the firing bar 4354, however,the projections 4356 are still engaged with the proximal connector 4355.More specifically, the projections 4356 are compressed against thelateral sides of the proximal connector 4355 by the sidewalls of thelongitudinal aperture 4349 such that a firing force, and/or a retractionforce, can still be transmitted from the second firing rod 4352 to thefiring bar 4354. In such instances, the staple firing stroke can becompleted and/or the clinician can decide to retract the firing assembly4350.

Further to the above, referring now to FIG. 75, the interface 4353between the second firing rod 4352 and the firing bar 4354 cancompletely decouple and enter into a second failed state. In the secondfailed state, the projections 4356 are no longer engaged with theproximal connector 4355 of the firing bar 4354 and, as a result, thesecond firing rod 4352 can no longer deliver a firing motion and/orfiring force to the firing bar 4354. Instead, the second firing rod 4352will move relative to the firing bar 4354 as the second firing rod 4352is moved distally. As illustrated in FIG. 71, the second firing rod 4352comprises a longitudinal slot 4358 configured to accommodate relativemovement between the second firing rod 4352 and the firing bar 4354. Thelongitudinal slot 4358 is long enough such that the firing bar 4354 doesnot contact the proximal end 4357 of the slot 4358.

In various instances, further to the above, the force threshold for thefiring assembly 4350 to enter into its first failed state and the forcethreshold for the firing assembly 4350 to enter into is second failedstate are the same. In such instances, the firing assembly 4350 canswitch into its first failed state if a momentary pulse, or increase, inthe firing force occurs and, yet, still operate in the first failedstate. If, however, the increase in the firing force is not momentary,the firing assembly 4350 can then quickly enter into its second failedstate. In at least one instance, the first and second force thresholdsare 80 lbf, for example. In other instances, the force threshold for thefiring assembly 4350 to enter into its first failed state and the forcethreshold for the firing assembly 4350 to enter into is second failedstate are different. For instance, the first force threshold is 60 lbfand the second force threshold is 80 lbf, for example. Alternatively,the first force threshold is 80 lbf and the second force threshold is 60lbf, for example. In either event, the firing assembly 4350 may be ableto push through high firing force conditions and still be functional.

In either event, referring now to FIGS. 71 and 72, the firing assembly4350 can be reset by retracting the second firing rod 4352. In at leastone instance, the firing assembly 4350 can be reset into its firstfailed state and then re-operated. In other instances, the second firingrod 4352 is retracted until the projections 4356 resiliently re-engagethe drive recesses 4359 defined in the proximal connector 4355 of thefiring bar 4354 to completely reset the interface 4353 of the firingassembly 4350 before the firing assembly 4350 is re-operated. In eitherevent, the retraction force applied to the second firing rod 4352 can beless than first force threshold and/or the second force threshold, forexample.

A staple cartridge 4400 is illustrated in FIGS. 77A and 77B. The staplecartridge 4400 is similar to the staple cartridges disclosed herein inmany respects—most of which are not discussed herein for the sake ofbrevity. Moreover, the staple cartridge 4400 is usable with any of thesurgical instruments disclosed herein. The staple cartridge 4400comprises a cartridge body 4410 and a sled movable through the cartridgebody 4410 by a firing member during a firing stroke. The cartridge body4410 comprises a longitudinal slot 4415 defined therein which isconfigured to receive the firing member. The cartridge body 4410 furthercomprises longitudinal rows of staple cavities 4420 and longitudinalrows of staple cavities 4430. More specifically, the cartridge body 4410comprises two inner rows of staple cavities 4420 positioned on each sideof the longitudinal slot 4415 and an outer row of staple cavities 4430positioned on each side of the rows of staple cavities 4420. That said,the staple cartridge 4400 can comprise any suitable number andarrangement of staple cavities 4420 and 4430. The longitudinal rows ofstaple cavities 4420 and 4430 are parallel, or at least substantiallyparallel, to one another; however, other embodiments are envisioned inwhich the longitudinal rows of staple cavities 4420 and 4430 are notparallel to one another.

The staple cartridge 4400 further comprises staples 4440 removablystored in the staple cavities 4420 and staples 4450 stored in the staplecavities 4430. The staples 4440 comprise stamped staples which have beenstamped from one or more sheets of material. The staples 4450 comprisewire staples which have been bent into a substantially V-shapedconfiguration, for example. The V-shaped configuration is an unformed,or unfired, configuration. That said, the staples 4450 can have anysuitable unfired configuration. In any event, the staple cartridge 4400further comprises staple drivers 4480 configured to eject the staples4450 from the staple cavities 4430. During the firing stroke, the sledis configured to engage the staple drivers 4480 and push the staples4450 upwardly out of the staple cavities 4430. Concurrently, the sleddirectly engages the staples 4440 to eject the staples 4440 from thestaple cavities 4420. Referring to FIG. 77B, the staples 4440 and 4450contact an anvil 4490, or any other suitable anvil, positioned oppositethe staple cartridge 4400 as the staples 4440 and 4450 are being ejectedfrom the staple cartridge 4400. The anvil 4490 comprises forming pockets4470 defined therein which are aligned with the legs of the staples 4440and 4450 and are configured to deform the staples 4440 and 4450 duringthe firing stroke. In alternative embodiments, an anvil can comprise afirst type of forming pocket aligned with each staple 4440 and a second,or different, type of forming pocket aligned with each staple 4450.

Further to the above, the anvil 4490 is configured to deform the staples4440 to a first formed height and the staples 4450 to a second, ordifferent, formed height. In at least one such instance, the firstformed height of the staples 4440 is taller than the second formedheight of the staples 4450. In alternative embodiments, the anvil 4490is configured to deform the staples 4440 and the staples 4450 to thesame formed height. In any event, the anvil 4490 further comprises alongitudinal slot 4495 defined therein which is configured to receivethe firing member during the firing stroke. The longitudinal anvil slot4495 is aligned, or centered, with the longitudinal cartridge slot 4415along a longitudinal axis 4405.

A staple cartridge 4500 is illustrated in FIGS. 77C and 77D. The staplecartridge 4500 is similar to the staple cartridges disclosed herein inmany respects—most of which are not discussed herein for the sake ofbrevity. Moreover, the staple cartridge 4500 is usable with any of thesurgical instruments disclosed herein. The staple cartridge 4500comprises a cartridge body 4510 and a sled movable through the cartridgebody 4510 by a firing member during a firing stroke. The cartridge body4510 comprises a longitudinal slot 4415 defined therein which isconfigured to receive the firing member. The cartridge body 4510 furthercomprises longitudinal rows of staple cavities 4520′ and longitudinalrows of staple cavities 4520″. More specifically, the cartridge body4510 comprises an inner row of staple cavities 4520′ positioned on eachside of the longitudinal slot 4415 and two outer rows of staple cavities4520″ positioned on each side of the rows of staple cavities 4520′. Thatsaid, the staple cartridge 4500 can comprise any suitable number andarrangement of staple cavities 4520′ and 4520″. The longitudinal rows ofstaple cavities 4520′ and 4520″ are parallel, or at least substantiallyparallel, to one another; however, other embodiments are envisioned inwhich the longitudinal rows of staple cavities 4520′ and 4520′ are notparallel to one another.

The staple cartridge 4500 further comprises staples 4540′ removablystored in the staple cavities 4520′ and staples 4540″ stored in thestaple cavities 4520″. The staples 4540′ comprise stamped staples whichhave been stamped from one or more sheets of material. The staples 4540″also comprise stamped staples which have been stamped from one or moresheets of material. As illustrated in FIG. 77E, the staples 4540″ arelarger than the staples 4540′. More specifically, the staples 4540″ aretaller than the staples 4540′. In addition, the staples 4540″ are widerthan the staples 4540′. During the firing stroke, the sled directlyengages the staples 4540′ and 4540″ to eject the staples 4540′ from thestaple cavities 4520′ and the staples 4540″ from the staple cavities4520″. Referring to FIG. 77D, the staples 4540′ and 4540″ contact ananvil 4590, or any other suitable anvil, positioned opposite the staplecartridge 4500 as the staples 4540′ and 4540″ are being ejected from thestaple cartridge 4500. The anvil 4590 comprises forming pockets 4570′defined therein which are aligned with the legs of the staples 4540′and, in addition, forming pockets 4570″ defined therein which arealigned with the legs of the staples 4540″. The forming pockets 4570′and 4570″ are configured to deform the staples 4540′ and 4540″,respectively, during the firing stroke.

Referring to FIGS. 77E and 77F, the anvil 4590 is configured to deformthe staples 4540′ to a first formed height and the staples 4540″ to asecond, or different, formed height. In at least one instance, thesecond formed height of the staples 4540″ is taller than the firstformed height of the staples 4540′. In use, the innermost row of staples4540′ in the staple cartridge 4500 are configured to apply asufficiently-hemostatic seal in the incised tissue T, referring to FIG.72F, and the outer row of larger staples 4540″ are configured to providea certain amount of flexibility in the staple line. In alternativeembodiments, the staples 4540′ and 4540″ are deformed to the same formedheight. In any event, the anvil 4590 further comprises a longitudinalslot 4595 defined therein which is configured to receive the firingmember during the firing stroke. The longitudinal anvil slot 4595 isaligned, or centered, with the longitudinal cartridge slot 4415 along alongitudinal axis 4505.

FIG. 78 illustrates an exemplary surgical instrument 100 comprising ahandle 110 and an interchangeable shaft assembly 200 operably coupledthereto. The handle 110 comprises a housing 140 that is configured to begrasped, manipulated, and/or actuated by a clinician. The shaft assembly200 comprises a shaft 210 and an end effector 300. The shaft 210comprises a shaft frame (not shown in FIG. 78), and a hollow outersleeve or closure tube 250 through which the shaft frame extends. Theshaft assembly 200 further includes a nozzle assembly 290 configured tointerface with the outer sleeve 250 and enable the clinician toselectively rotate the shaft 210 about a longitudinal axis. The shaftassembly 200 also includes a latch 230 which is a part of a lock systemthat releasably locks the shaft assembly 200 to the handle 110. Invarious circumstances, the latch 230 can close an electrical circuit inthe handle 110, for example, when the latch 230 is engaged with thehandle 110. The entire disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING ANARTICULATION LOCK, which was filed on Mar. 14, 2013, is incorporated byreference herein. All of the embodiments disclosed herein are usablewith the handle 110.

FIG. 79 depicts an exemplary surgical robot 500 configured to actuate aplurality of surgical tools, generally designated as 600, for example.The surgical robot 500 may be used in connection with a mastercontroller, not shown, configured to allow a surgeon to control and viewa surgical procedure being performed by the surgical robot 500. Invarious forms, the surgical robot 500 includes a base 510 from which, inthe illustrated embodiment, three surgical tools 600 are supported, forexample. In various forms, the surgical tools 600 are each supported bya series of articulatable linkages, generally referred to as arms 520,and are operably coupled with one or more drive systems 530. Thesestructures are illustrated with protective covers which obscure much ofthe movable components thereof. These protective covers may be optional,and may be limited in size or entirely eliminated in some embodiments tominimize the inertia that is encountered by servo mechanisms used tomanipulate the arms 520. In various forms, the surgical robot 500 haswheels that allow the surgical robot 500 to be positioned adjacent anoperating table by a single attendant. FIG. 79 further illustrates awork envelope 700 of the surgical robot 500. The work envelope 700refers to the range of movement of the surgical tools 600 of thesurgical robot 500. The shape and size of the work envelope 700 depictedin FIG. 79 is merely illustrative. Thus, a work envelope is not limitedto the specific size and shape of the sample work envelope depicted inFIG. 79. The entire disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 9,060,770, entitledROBOTICALLY-DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH E-BEAM DRIVER, which issuedon Jun. 23, 2015, is incorporated by reference herein. All of theembodiments disclosed herein are usable with the surgical robot 500.

EXAMPLES Example 1

A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, and aclosure tube. The first jaw comprises a first proximal end and a firstdistal end. The second jaw comprises a second proximal end, a seconddistal end, a pivot pin about which the second jaw is rotatable relativeto the first jaw between an open and a fully-closed position, and a camsurface. The closure tube is movable toward the first distal end of thefirst jaw during a closure stroke. The closure tube comprises a distaltube end configured to engage the cam surface and move the second distalend of the second jaw toward the first distal end of the first jawduring the closure stroke. The closure tube further comprises a wedgeconfigured to engage the pivot pin and tilt the second distal end of thesecond jaw toward the first distal end during the closure stroke.

Example 2

The surgical instrument of Example 1, wherein a distal tissue gap isdefined between the first distal end and the second distal end when thesecond jaw is in the fully-closed position, wherein a proximal tissuegap is defined between the first proximal end and the second proximalend when the second jaw is in the fully-closed position, and wherein thesecond jaw applies a larger clamping force to the tissue captured in thedistal tissue gap than the proximal tissue gap.

Example 3

The surgical instrument of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the surgicalinstrument further comprises a staple cartridge including staplesremovably stored therein.

Example 4

The surgical instrument of Example 3, wherein the surgical instrumentfurther comprises a firing member configured to eject the staples fromthe staple cartridge, wherein the firing member comprises a first camconfigured to engage the first jaw and a second cam configured to engagethe second jaw during a firing stroke, and wherein the first cam and thesecond cam are configured to co-operatively control a tissue gap betweenthe first jaw and the second jaw.

Example 5

The surgical instrument of Example 4, wherein the second jaw furthercomprises a tissue compression surface, staple forming pockets definedin the tissue compression surface, and a second cam surface, wherein thesecond cam is configured to engage the second cam surface during thefiring stroke to control the position, and wherein the tissuecompression surface is not parallel to the second cam surface.

Example 6

The surgical instrument of Example 5, wherein a first distance isdefined between the tissue compression surface and the second camsurface at the second proximal end of the second jaw, wherein a seconddistance is defined between the tissue compression surface and thesecond cam surface at the second distal end of the second jaw, andwherein the second distance is larger than the first distance.

Example 7

The surgical instrument of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein thedistal tube end is configured to engage the cam surface of the secondjaw before the wedge engages the pivot pin during the closure stroke.

Example 8

The surgical instrument of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, wherein thefirst jaw comprises a vertical slot, and wherein the pivot pin isslidably positioned in the vertical slot.

Example 9

The surgical instrument of Example 8, wherein the first jaw comprises alongitudinal slot, wherein the wedge is slidably positioned in thelongitudinal slot, and wherein the longitudinal slot is in communicationwith the vertical slot.

Example 10

The surgical instrument of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8, whereinthe wedge does not move the second proximal end relative to the firstproximal end.

Example 11

A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, and aclosure tube. The first jaw comprises a first proximal end and a firstdistal end. The second jaw comprises a second proximal end, a seconddistal end, a pivot pin about which the second jaw is rotatable relativeto the first jaw between an open position and a fully-closed position,and a cam surface. The closure tube is movable toward the first distalend of the first jaw during a closure stroke. The closure tube comprisesa distal tube end configured to engaged the cam surface and move thesecond distal end of the second jaw toward the first distal end of thefirst jaw during the closure stroke and a wedge configured to engage thepivot pin and push the second distal end of the second jaw toward thefirst distal end of the first jaw during the closure stroke to achievethe fully-closed position.

Example 12

The surgical instrument of Example 11, wherein the wedge does not movethe second proximal end relative to the first proximal end.

Example 13

A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, a closuretube, and a cutting member. The first jaw comprises a distal jaw end.The second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw between an openposition and a closed position. The second jaw comprises a closure camsurface and an opening cam surface. The closure tube is movable towardthe distal jaw end during a closure stroke. The closure tube comprises adistal tube end configured to engage the closure cam surface and movethe second jaw into the closed position during the closure stroke. Thecutting member is movable toward the distal jaw end during a cuttingstroke and movable away from the distal jaw end during a retractionstroke. The cutting member comprises a proximal portion, a distalportion, and a biasing member positioned intermediate the proximalportion and the distal portion, wherein the biasing member is configuredto bias the distal portion into engagement with the opening cam surfaceof the second jaw to at least partially open the second jaw after theretraction stroke.

Example 14

The surgical instrument of Example 13, wherein the closure tube ismovable away from the distal jaw end during an opening stroke, andwherein the closure tube holds the second jaw in the closed positionagainst the bias of the biasing member until the distal tube end isdisengaged from the closure cam surface.

Example 15

The surgical instrument of Examples 13 or 14, wherein the surgicalinstrument further comprises a staple cartridge comprising staplesremovably stored therein, and wherein the cutting member is configuredto eject the staples from the staple cartridge during the cuttingstroke.

Example 16

The surgical instrument of Examples 13, 14, or 15, wherein the cuttingmember comprises a first cam configured to engage the first jaw and asecond cam configured to engage the second jaw, and wherein the firstjaw and the second jaw co-operatively control the position of the secondjaw relative to the first jaw during the cutting stroke.

Example 17

A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw comprising a distal jawend, a second jaw, and a cutting member. The second jaw is movablerelative the first jaw to capture the tissue of a patient between thefirst jaw and the second jaw. The cutting member is movable toward thedistal jaw end during a cutting stroke. The cutting member comprises acoupling portion comprising a first cam configured to engage the firstjaw and a second cam configured to engage the second jaw during thecutting stroke and a bar comprising a plurality of layers attached tothe coupling portion, wherein the bar comprises a cutting edgeconfigured to cut the patient tissue during the cutting stroke.

Example 18

The surgical instrument of Example 17, wherein the surgical instrumentfurther comprises a staple cartridge including staples removably storedtherein, and wherein the cutting member is configured to eject thestaples from the staple cartridge during the cutting stroke to staplethe patient tissue.

Example 19

The surgical instrument of Examples 17 or 18, wherein the couplingportion further comprises a mounting recess, and wherein the barcomprises a distal bar end positioned in the mounting recess.

Example 20

The surgical instrument of Example 19, wherein the coupling portionfurther comprises a mounting projection within the mounting recess, andwherein the bar comprises a mounting aperture configured to closelyreceive the mounting projection.

Example 21

The surgical instrument of Examples 17, 18, 19, or 20, wherein thecoupling portion further comprises a plurality of mounting projections,and wherein the bar comprises a plurality of mounting aperturesconfigured to receive the mounting projections.

Example 22

The surgical instrument of Example 21, wherein the cutting member ismovable along a longitudinal axis during the cutting stroke, and whereinthe plurality of mounting projections comprises a first projectionpositioned along the longitudinal axis and a second projectionpositioned offset from the longitudinal axis.

Example 23

The surgical instrument of Examples 21 or 22, wherein the cutting memberis movable along a longitudinal axis during the cutting stroke, andwherein the plurality of mounting projections comprises a firstprojection positioned on a first side of the longitudinal axis and asecond projection positioned on a second side of the longitudinal axis.

Example 24

The surgical instrument of Examples 21, 22, or 23, wherein the pluralityof mounting projections comprises a proximal projection and a distalprojection, and wherein the distal projection is positioned distallywith respect to the proximal projection.

Example 25

The surgical instrument of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24,wherein the coupling portion comprises a shoulder, and wherein the barcomprises a hook engaged with the shoulder.

Example 26

The surgical instrument of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or25, wherein the plurality of layers comprises a first layer and a secondlayer, and wherein the cutting edge is defined on the first layer andnot defined on the second layer.

Example 27

The surgical instrument of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,or 26, wherein the plurality of layers comprises a first layer and asecond layer, and wherein the cutting edge is defined on the first layerand the second layer.

Example 28

The surgical instrument of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,26, or 27, wherein the plurality of layers comprises a first layer, asecond layer, and an intermediate layer positioned intermediate thefirst layer and the second layer. The coupling portion comprises a firstlateral recess, a second lateral recess, and a mounting tab. The firstlayer is mounted to the coupling portion in the first lateral recess,the second layer is mounted to the coupling portion in the secondlateral recess, and the intermediate layer is attached to the mountingtab.

Example 29

A surgical stapler comprising a first jaw comprising a distal jaw end, asecond jaw, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staplesremovably stored therein, and a firing member movable toward the distaljaw end during a firing stroke to eject the staples from the staplecartridge. The second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw tocapture the tissue of a patient between the first jaw and the secondjaw. The firing member comprises a coupling portion comprising a firstcam configured to engage the first jaw and a second cam configured toengage the second jaw during the firing stroke and a bar attached to thecoupling portion, wherein the bar comprises a cutting edge configured tocut the patient tissue during the firing stroke.

Example 30

A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw comprising a distal jawend, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw to capture thetissue of a patient between the first jaw and the second jaw, and acutting member movable toward the distal jaw end during a cuttingstroke. The cutting member comprises a coupling portion and a bar. Thecoupling portion comprises a first cam configured to engage the firstjaw during the cutting stroke, a second cam configured to engage thesecond jaw during the cutting stroke, a first lateral recess, a secondlateral recess, and a mounting tab. The bar comprises a first layermounted to the coupling portion in the first lateral recess, a secondlayer mounted to the coupling portion in the second lateral recess, andan intermediate layer positioned intermediate the first layer and thesecond layer, wherein the intermediate layer is attached to the mountingtab.

Example 31

The surgical instrument of Example 30, wherein the surgical instrumentfurther comprises a staple cartridge including staples removably storedtherein, and wherein the cutting member is configured to eject thestaples from the staple cartridge during the cutting stroke to staplethe patient tissue.

Example 32

The surgical instrument of Examples 30 or 31, wherein the mounting tabextends distally with respect to the first lateral recess and the secondlateral recess.

Example 33

The surgical instrument of Examples 30, 31, or 32, wherein the couplingportion comprises a cutting edge configured to cut the patient tissue.

Example 34

The surgical instrument of Examples 30, 31, 32, or 33, wherein the barcomprises a cutting edge configured to cut the patient tissue.

Example 35

A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw comprising a distal jawend, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw to capture thetissue of a patient between the first jaw and the second jaw, and afiring member movable toward the distal jaw end during a firing stroke.The firing member comprises a coupling portion comprising a lateralrecess and a mounting tab and a bar comprising a first layer mounted tothe coupling portion in the lateral recess and a second layer attachedto the mounting tab.

Example 36

The surgical instrument of Example 35, wherein the surgical instrumentfurther comprises a staple cartridge including staples removably storedtherein, and wherein the firing member is configured to eject thestaples from the staple cartridge during the firing stroke to staple thepatient tissue.

Example 37

A surgical stapling instrument comprising a shaft, an end effectorextending from the shaft, a firing assembly, a lock in the shaft, and astaple cartridge. The end effector comprises a first jaw comprises adistal jaw end and a second jaw movable relative to the first jawbetween an open position and a closed position. The firing assembly ismovable toward the distal jaw end during a firing stroke, and the firingassembly comprises a coupling portion configured to engage the first jawand the second jaw during the firing stroke and a lockout bar comprisinga distal lockout end, wherein the lockout bar is movable between adistal locked position and a proximal unlocked position. The lock in theshaft is engaged with the firing bar prior to the firing stroke when thelockout bar is in the distal locked position, and the lock is disengagedfrom the firing bar prior to the firing stroke when the lockout bar isin the proximal unlocked position. The staple cartridge is positionablein the first jaw and the staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, aplurality of staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and a sledmovable from a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position toeject the staples from the cartridge body during the firing stroke,wherein the sled is configured to push the lockout bar into the proximalunlocked position when the staple cartridge is loaded into the first jawand the sled is in the proximal unfired position.

Example 38

The surgical stapling instrument of Example 37, wherein the couplingportion comprises an aperture, and wherein the distal lockout endextends through the aperture.

Example 39

The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 37 or 38, wherein thelockout bar is slidable within the firing bar.

Example 40

The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 37, 38, or 39, wherein thesurgical stapling instrument further comprises a spring configured tobias the lockout bar into the distal locked position.

Example 41

The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 37, 38, 39, or 40, whereinthe surgical stapling instrument further comprises a spring configuredto bias said lock into engagement with the firing bar.

Example 42

The surgical stapling instrument of Example 41, wherein the lockout barcomprises a key configured to engage the lock and disengage the lockfrom the firing bar against the bias of the spring.

Example 43

The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, or 42,wherein the cartridge body comprises a detent configured to releasablyhold the sled in the proximal unfired position when the sled engages thelockout bar.

Example 44

The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, or43, wherein the lockout bar travels with the firing bar during thefiring stroke.

Example 45

The surgical stapling instrument of Example 44, wherein the firing baris retractable after the firing stroke, and wherein the lockout bartravels with the firing bar when the firing bar is retracted.

Example 46

The surgical stapling instrument of Example 45, wherein the sled is notretracted with the firing bar and the lockout bar.

Example 47

The surgical stapling instrument of Example 46, wherein the lockout barcannot be reset into its proximal unlocked position until the staplecartridge is removed from the first jaw and an unspent staple cartridgeis positioned in the first jaw.

Example 48

A surgical stapling instrument comprising an end effector, a firingassembly, a lock, and a staple cartridge loadable into the end effector.The end effector comprises a first jaw comprising a distal jaw end and asecond jaw movable relative to the first jaw between an open positionand a closed position. The firing assembly is movable toward the distaljaw end during a firing stroke, and the firing assembly comprises afiring bar and a lockout bar, wherein the lockout bar is movable betweena distal locked position and a proximal unlocked position relative tothe firing bar. The lock is engaged with the firing bar prior to thefiring stroke when the lockout bar is in the distal locked position, andthe lock is disengaged from the firing bar prior to the firing strokewhen the lockout bar is in the proximal unlocked position. The staplecartridge comprises a cartridge body, a plurality of staples removablystored in the cartridge body, and a sled movable from a proximal unfiredposition and a distal fired position to eject the staples from thecartridge body during the firing stroke, wherein the sled is configuredto push the lockout bar into the proximal unlocked position when thestaple cartridge is loaded into the end effector and the sled is in theproximal unfired position.

Example 49

A surgical stapling instrument comprising an end effector, a firing bar,a lock, and a staple cartridge loadable into the end effector. The endeffector comprises a first jaw comprises a distal jaw end and a secondjaw movable relative to the first jaw between an open position and aclosed position. The firing bar is movable away from the distal jaw endbetween a distal unlocked position and a proximal unlocked position, andthe firing bar is then movable toward the distal jaw end during a firingstroke. The lock is engaged with the firing bar when the firing bar isin the distal locked position to prevent the firing stroke, and the lockis disengaged from the firing bar when the firing bar is in the proximalunlocked position. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, aplurality of staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and a sledmovable from a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position toeject the staples from the cartridge body during the firing stroke,wherein the sled is configured to push the firing bar into the proximalunlocked position when the staple cartridge is loaded into the endeffector and the sled is in the proximal unfired position.

Example 50

The surgical stapling instrument of Example 49, wherein the surgicalstapling instrument further comprises a biasing member configured tobias the firing bar into the distal locked position.

Example 51

The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 49 or 50, wherein thesurgical stapling instrument further comprises a biasing memberconfigured to bias the lock into engagement with the firing bar.

Example 52

The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 49, 50, or 51, wherein thefiring bar comprises a key configured to engage the lock and disengagethe lock from the firing bar against the bias of the firing bar.

Example 53

The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 49, 50, 51, or 52, whereinthe firing bar is retractable after the firing stroke, and wherein thesled is not retracted with the firing bar.

Example 54

The surgical stapling instrument of Example 53, wherein the firing barcannot be reset into the proximal unlocked position until the staplecartridge is removed from the end effector and an unspent staplecartridge is loaded in the end effector.

Example 55

The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, or 54,wherein the cartridge body comprises a detent configured to releasablyhold the sled in the proximal unfired position when the sled engages thefiring bar to move the firing bar into the proximal unlocked positionand permit the firing bar to move the sled through the firing stroke.

Example 56

The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, or55, wherein the surgical stapling instrument further comprises a shaft,wherein the end effector extends from the shaft, and wherein the lock ispositioned in the shaft.

Example 57

A surgical stapling assembly comprising a cartridge jaw, a firingmember, and a staple cartridge removably positionable in the cartridgejaw. The cartridge jaw comprises a proximal end, a distal end positionedopposite the proximal end, a bottom wall, a lateral side wall extendingfrom the bottom wall, and a plurality of jaw windows defined in thelateral side wall. The firing member is movable toward the distal endduring a firing stroke. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body,a plurality of cartridge windows defined in the cartridge body, whereinthe cartridge windows are aligned with the jaw windows when the staplecartridge is positioned in the cartridge jaw, staples removably storedin the cartridge body, and a sled movable toward the distal end duringthe firing stroke to eject the staples from the cartridge body, whereinthe progress of the sled during the firing stroke is observable throughthe cartridge windows and the jaw windows.

Example 58

The surgical stapling assembly of Example 57, wherein the sled comprisesa datum observable through the cartridge windows and the jaw windows.

Example 59

The surgical stapling assembly of Example 58, wherein the sled is movedalong a longitudinal axis during the firing stroke, and wherein thedatum comprises a vertical line orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

Example 60

The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 57, 58, or 59, wherein theplurality of jaw windows comprises a proximal jaw window and a distaljaw window, wherein the plurality of cartridge windows comprises aproximal cartridge window aligned with the proximal jaw window and adistal cartridge window aligned with the distal jaw window, wherein thesled is movable between a proximal unfired position and a distal firedposition during the firing stroke, wherein the sled is observablethrough the proximal jaw window and the proximal cartridge window whenthe sled is in the proximal unfired position, and wherein the sled isobservable through the distal jaw window and the distal cartridge windowwhen the sled is in the distal fired position.

Example 61

The surgical stapling assembly of Example 60, wherein the plurality ofjaw windows comprises an intermediate jaw window positioned intermediatethe proximal jaw window and the distal jaw window, wherein the pluralityof cartridge windows comprises an intermediate cartridge windowpositioned intermediate the proximal cartridge window and the distalcartridge window aligned with the intermediate jaw window, and whereinthe sled is observable through the intermediate jaw window and theintermediate cartridge window during the firing stroke.

Example 62

The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 57, 58, 59, 60, or 61,wherein the jaw windows are positioned along a longitudinal jaw windowaxis, wherein the cartridge windows are positioned along a longitudinalcartridge window axis, and wherein the longitudinal jaw window axis isaligned with the longitudinal cartridge window axis when the staplecartridge is positioned in the cartridge jaw.

Example 63

The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, or 62,wherein the bottom wall comprises a longitudinal slot configured toreceive the firing member during the firing stroke.

Example 64

The surgical stapling assembly of Example 63, wherein the sled ismovable between a proximal unfired position and a distal fired positionduring the firing stroke, wherein the longitudinal slot comprises aproximal bottom window, and wherein the sled is observable through theproximal bottom window when the sled is in the proximal unfiredposition.

Example 65

The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 63 or 64, wherein the sled ismovable between a proximal unfired position and a distal fired positionduring the firing stroke, wherein the longitudinal slot comprises adistal bottom window, and wherein the sled is observable through thedistal bottom window when the sled is in the distal fired position.

Example 66

The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 63, 64, or 65, wherein thelongitudinal slot comprises a plurality of bottom windows defined in thebottom wall, and wherein the progress of the sled during the firingstroke is observable through the bottom windows.

Example 67

The surgical stapling assembly of Example 66, wherein the longitudinalslot defines a longitudinal axis, and wherein the bottom windows areoffset with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Example 68

The surgical stapling assembly of Example 67, wherein bottom windows arestaggered on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis in an alternatingmanner.

Example 69

A surgical stapling assembly including a firing member, the surgicalstapling assembly comprising a cartridge jaw and a staple cartridgepositioned in the cartridge jaw. The cartridge jaw comprises a proximalend, a distal end positioned opposite the proximal end, a bottomportion, a lateral side portion extending from the bottom portion, and aplurality of jaw windows defined in the lateral side portion. The staplecartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising staple cavities, aplurality of cartridge windows defined in the cartridge body, whereinthe cartridge windows are aligned with the jaw windows, staplesremovably stored in the staple cavities, and a sled movable toward thedistal end by the firing member to eject the staples from the cartridgebody, wherein the progress of the sled toward the distal end isobservable through the cartridge windows and the jaw windows.

Example 70

A surgical stapling assembly comprising a cartridge jaw, a firingmember, and a staple cartridge. The cartridge jaw comprises a proximalend, a distal end positioned opposite the proximal end, a bottom wall,lateral side walls extending from the bottom wall, and a longitudinalslot defined in the bottom wall, wherein the longitudinal slot comprisesa plurality of jaw windows defined in the bottom wall. The firing memberis movable toward the distal end through the longitudinal slot during afiring stroke. The staple cartridge is positionable between the lateralside walls in the cartridge jaw. The staple cartridge comprises acartridge body, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and asled movable toward the distal end during the firing stroke to eject thestaples from the cartridge body, wherein the progress of the sled duringthe firing stroke is observable through the jaw windows.

Example 71

The surgical stapling assembly of Example 70, wherein the sled ismovable between a proximal unfired position and a distal fired positionduring the firing stroke, wherein the jaw windows comprise a proximalbottom window, and wherein the sled is observable through the proximalbottom window when the sled is in the proximal unfired position.

Example 72

The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 70 or 71, wherein the sled ismovable between a proximal unfired position and a distal fired positionduring the firing stroke, wherein the jaw windows comprise a distalbottom window, and wherein the sled is observable through the distalbottom window when the sled is in the distal fired position.

Example 73

The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 70, 71, or 72, wherein thelongitudinal slot defines a longitudinal axis, and wherein the jawwindows are offset with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Example 74

A surgical stapling assembly comprising a cartridge jaw and a staplecartridge. The cartridge jaw comprises a proximal end, a distal endpositioned opposite said proximal end, a bottom wall, lateral side wallsextending from the bottom wall, and a longitudinal slot defined in thebottom wall, wherein the longitudinal slot comprises a plurality of jawwindows defined in the bottom wall. The staple cartridge is positionedbetween the lateral side walls in the cartridge jaw. The staplecartridge comprises a cartridge body, staples removably stored in thecartridge body, and a sled movable toward the distal end during a firingstroke to eject the staples from the cartridge body, wherein theprogress of the sled during the firing stroke is observable through thejaw windows.

Example 75

A surgical instrument comprising a shaft, an end effector comprising astaple cartridge, and a firing assembly. The staple cartridge comprisesa cartridge body, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and asled configured to eject the staples from the cartridge body during astaple firing stroke. The firing assembly is configured to apply apushing force to the sled during the staple firing stroke. The firingassembly comprises a first portion, a second portion, wherein the secondportion is displaceable relative to the first portion, and a pushingforce lockout system at least partially positioned intermediate thefirst portion and the second portion, wherein the pushing force lockoutsystem is configured to engage the shaft and stop the staple firingstroke if the pushing force exceeds a threshold.

Example 76

The surgical instrument of Example 75, wherein the surgical instrumentfurther comprises a biasing member positioned intermediate the firstportion and the second portion, and wherein the biasing member isconfigured to apply a biasing force to the second portion which opposesthe pushing force.

Example 77

The surgical instrument of Example 76, wherein the threshold comprises apre-selected difference between the pushing force and the biasing force.

Example 78

The surgical instrument of Example 77, wherein the pushing force lockoutsystem comprises a lock mounted to the shaft, a spring, and an actuatorrotatably mounted to the firing assembly. The lock is displaceablebetween an unlocked position and a locked position, and the lock isconfigured to prevent the firing assembly from performing the staplefiring stroke when the lock is in the locked position. The spring isconfigured to bias the lock into the locked position. The second portionis configured to rotate the actuator toward the lock and displace thelock into the unlocked position when the threshold is exceeded.

Example 79

The surgical instrument of Example 78, wherein the actuator is rotatablymounted to the first portion and the lock is configured to engage thesecond portion.

Example 80

The surgical instrument of Examples 78 or 79, wherein the surgicalinstrument further comprises an actuator spring configured to bias theactuator out of engagement with the lock, wherein the second portionovercomes the actuator spring when the second portion is moved towardthe first portion.

Example 81

The surgical instrument of Examples 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, or 80, whereinthe staple cartridge comprises a replaceable staple cartridge.

Example 82

The surgical instrument of Examples 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, or 81,wherein the staple cartridge comprises a spent cartridge lockoutconfigured to block the firing assembly from performing the staplefiring stroke if the staple cartridge has been at least partially spent.

Example 83

The surgical instrument of Examples 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, or 82,wherein the surgical instrument further comprises an electric motorconfigured to drive the firing assembly through the staple firingstroke.

Example 84

A surgical instrument comprising a frame, an end effector comprising astaple cartridge, a firing assembly, and a firing force lockout system.The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, staples removablystored in the cartridge body, and a sled configured to eject the staplesfrom the cartridge body during a firing stroke. The firing assembly isconfigured to apply a firing force to the sled during the firing stroke.The firing assembly comprises a first portion and a second portion,wherein the second portion is displaceable relative to the firstportion. The firing force lockout system is configured to engage theframe and prevent the staple firing stroke if the firing force exceeds athreshold.

Example 85

The surgical instrument of Example 84, wherein the surgical instrumentfurther comprises a biasing member positioned intermediate the firstportion and the second portion, wherein the biasing member is configuredto apply a biasing force to the second portion which opposes the firingforce.

Example 86

The surgical instrument of Example 85, wherein the threshold comprises apre-selected difference between the firing force and the biasing force.

Example 87

The surgical instrument of Example 86, wherein the firing force lockoutsystem comprises a lock mounted to the frame, a spring, and an actuatorrotatably mounted to the firing assembly. The lock is displaceablebetween an unlocked position and a locked position, and the lock isconfigured to prevent the firing assembly from performing the staplefiring stroke when the lock is in the locked position. The spring isconfigured to bias the lock into the locked position. The second portionis configured to rotate the actuator toward the lock and displace thelock into the unlocked position when the threshold is exceeded.

Example 88

The surgical instrument of Example 87, wherein the actuator is rotatablymounted to the first portion and the lock is configured to engage thesecond portion.

Example 89

The surgical instrument of Examples 87 or 88, wherein the surgicalinstrument further comprises an actuator spring configured to bias theactuator out of engagement with the lock, and wherein the second portionovercomes the actuator spring when the second portion is moved towardthe first portion.

Example 90

The surgical instrument of Examples 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, or 89, whereinthe staple cartridge comprises a replaceable staple cartridge.

Example 91

The surgical instrument of Examples 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, or 90,wherein the staple cartridge comprises a spent cartridge lockoutconfigured to block the firing assembly from performing the staplefiring stroke if the staple cartridge has been at least partially spent.

Example 92

A surgical instrument comprising an end effector comprising a staplecartridge, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body,staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and a sled configured toeject the staples from the cartridge body during a firing stroke. Thesurgical instrument further comprises a firing assembly configured toapply a firing force to the sled during the firing stroke and means forstopping the staple firing stroke if the firing force exceeds athreshold.

Example 93

The surgical instrument of Example 92, wherein the means is resettable.

Example 94

A surgical instrument comprising a firing assembly movable through afiring stroke, an end effector comprising a staple cartridge, and afiring force lockout system. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridgebody, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, a sled movablebetween a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position to ejectthe staples from the cartridge body during the firing stroke, and aspent cartridge lockout configured to block the firing assembly fromperforming the firing strong if the sled is not in the proximal unfiredposition at the initiation of the firing stroke. The firing forcelockout system is configured to assist in preventing the firing assemblyfrom performing the firing stroke when the firing assembly is blocked bythe spent cartridge lockout.

Example 95

The surgical instrument of Example 94, wherein the firing assemblycomprises a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the firingforce lockout system is at least partially positioned intermediate thefirst portion and the second portion of the firing assembly.

Example 96

The surgical instrument of Example 95, wherein the second portion ismovable relative to the first portion, and wherein the second portion isconfigured to deploy the firing force lockout system into a lockedconfiguration when the second portion is moved toward the first portion.

Example 97

The surgical instrument of Example 96, wherein the surgical instrumentfurther comprises a biasing member positioned intermediate the firstportion and the second portion, and wherein the biasing member isconfigured to push the second portion away from the first portion.

Example 98

The surgical instrument of Example 97, wherein the firing force lockoutsystem is biased into an unlocked configuration.

Example 99

The surgical instrument of Examples 94, 95, 96, 97, or 98, wherein thesurgical instrument further comprises a frame, wherein the firing forcelockout system is mounted to the firing assembly, and wherein the firingforce lockout system is configured to engage the frame in response tothe spent cartridge lockout blocking the firing assembly.

Example 100

The surgical instrument of Example 99, wherein the surgical instrumentfurther comprises a longitudinal shaft, and wherein the frame ispositioned within the longitudinal shaft.

Example 101

The surgical instrument of Examples 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100,wherein the surgical instrument further comprises an electric motorconfigured to move the firing assembly through the firing stroke.

Example 102

The surgical instrument of Example 101, wherein the firing force lockoutsystem is deployable into a locked configuration when the firingassembly is blocked by the spent cartridge lockout, and wherein theelectric motor is operable to retract the firing assembly to reset thefiring force lockout system into an unlocked configuration.

Example 103

The surgical instrument of Examples 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, or102, wherein the cartridge body comprises a longitudinal slot configuredto receive the firing assembly, and wherein the spent cartridge lockoutcomprises a metal clip. The metal clip comprises a mounting portionmounted to the cartridge body and a lock portion deflectable between alocked configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein the lockportion extends into the longitudinal slot to block the firing assemblywhen the lock portion is in the locked configuration.

Example 104

The surgical instrument of Example 103, wherein the sled is configuredto hold the lock portion in the unlocked configuration when the sled isin the proximal unfired position.

Example 105

The surgical instrument of Example 104, wherein the lock portion isbiased toward the locked configuration, and wherein the sled isconfigured to release the lock portion when the sled is advanceddistally during the firing stroke.

Example 106

The surgical instrument of Example 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101,102, 103, 104, or 105, wherein the staple cartridge is a replaceablestaple cartridge.

Example 107

The surgical instrument of Example 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101,102, 103, 104, or 105, wherein the staple cartridge is not a replaceablestaple cartridge.

Example 108

A surgical instrument comprising a firing assembly movable through afiring stroke, an end effector comprising a staple cartridge, and afiring lockout. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, stapleremovably stored in the cartridge body, a sled movable between aproximal unfired position and a distal fired position to eject thestaples from the cartridge body during the firing stroke, and acartridge lockout configured to block the firing assembly if the sled isnot in the proximal unfired position at the initiation of the firingstroke. The firing lockout is configured to prevent the firing assemblyfrom performing the firing stroke when the firing assembly is blocked bythe cartridge lockout.

Example 109

A surgical instrument comprising a shaft, a firing assembly movablethrough an actuation stroke, an end effector, and a firing lockout inthe shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw movablerelative to the first jaw, wherein the firing assembly comprises a firstcam configured to engage the first jaw and a second cam configured toengage the second jaw to control the position of the second jaw relativeto the first jaw during the actuation stroke, and a staple cartridge.The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, staples removablystored in the cartridge body, a sled movable between a proximal unfiredposition and a distal fired position to eject the staples from thecartridge body, and a cartridge lockout configured to block the firingassembly if the sled is not in the proximal unfired position at thebeginning of the actuation stroke. The firing lockout is configured toblock the firing assembly if the firing assembly is blocked by thecartridge lockout.

Example 110

A surgical instrument comprising an end effector and a firing assemblyconfigured to transmit a firing load to the end effector during a firingstroke. The firing assembly comprises a first portion, a second portion,and a fuse portion, wherein the fuse portion is configured to transmitthe firing load from the first portion to the second portion when thefuse portion is intact, wherein the fuse portion is configured to failwhen the firing load exceeds a threshold, and wherein the first portioncannot transmit the firing load to the second portion once the fuseportion has failed.

Example 111

The surgical instrument of Example 110, wherein the fuse portion isresettable.

Example 112

The surgical instrument of Example 111, wherein the end effectorcomprises a distal end, wherein the firing assembly is advanced towardthe distal end during the firing stroke, and wherein the firing assemblyis advanced away from the distal end to reset the fuse portion.

Example 113

The surgical instrument of Examples 110, 111, or 112, wherein the firstportion comprises a flexible first rod, wherein the second portioncomprises a second rod, and wherein the flexible first rod is configuredto bend and disengage from the second rod when the firing load exceedsthe threshold.

Example 114

The surgical instrument of Example 113, wherein the flexible rodresiliently bends out of engagement with the second rod when the firingload exceeds the threshold, and wherein the flexible first rod isconfigured to snap back into engagement with the second rod when theflexible first rod is realigned with the second rod.

Example 115

The surgical instrument of Examples 113 or 114, wherein the firingassembly further comprises a collar, wherein the second rod is slidablypositioned in the collar, wherein the flexible first rod is notpositioned in the collar when the firing stroke is initiated, whereinthe flexible first rod enters into the collar during the firing stroke,and wherein the collar prevents the flexible first rod from disengagingfrom the second rod.

Example 116

The surgical instrument of Example 113, 114, or 115, wherein thesurgical instrument further comprises a frame, wherein the flexiblefirst rod is configured to engage the frame and block the firingassembly from performing the firing stroke when the flexible first roddisengages from the second rod.

Example 117

The surgical instrument of Examples 113, 114, 115, or 116, wherein thesurgical instrument further comprises a biasing member configured tobias the flexible first rod into engagement with the second rod.

Example 118

The surgical instrument of Examples 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116,or 117, wherein the fuse portion comprises a first barb defined on thefirst portion and a second barb defined on the second portion engagedwith the first barb, and wherein the first barb disengages from thesecond barb when the firing force exceeds the threshold.

Example 119

The surgical instrument of Examples 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116,117, or 118, wherein fuse portion comprises a first foot defined on thefirst portion and a second foot defined on the second portion engagedwith the first foot, and wherein the first foot slips relative to thesecond foot when the firing force exceeds the threshold.

Example 120

The surgical instrument of Example 119, wherein the surgical instrumentfurther comprises a frame, wherein said first portion comprises abiasing member engaged with said frame, and wherein said biasing memberis configured to bias said first foot into engagement with said secondfoot.

Example 121

The surgical instrument of Examples 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116,117, 118, 119, or 120, wherein the second portion comprises a pluralityof layers, wherein the fuse portion comprises a proximal portion of thelayers which splays outwardly when the firing force exceeds thethreshold.

Example 122

The surgical instrument of Example 121, wherein the surgical instrumentfurther comprises a frame, wherein the splayed layers are configured toengage the frame and block the firing assembly from performing thefiring stroke when the firing load exceeds the threshold.

Example 123

The surgical instrument of Examples 121 or 122, wherein the layersresiliently splay outwardly when the firing load exceeds the threshold,and wherein the layers are configured to flex inwardly to reset the fuseportion when the firing assembly is retracted.

Example 124

The surgical instrument of Examples 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116,117, 118, 119, 120, 121, or 122, wherein the fuse portion is notresettable.

Example 125

The surgical instrument of Example 124, wherein the fuse portioncomprises a wall defined in the first portion, and wherein the wall isconfigured to break away from the first portion when the firing loadexceeds the threshold.

Example 126

The surgical instrument of Examples 124 or 125, wherein the fuse portioncomprises a series of collapsible walls arranged along a longitudinalaxis in the first portion, and wherein the collapsible walls areconfigured to fail sequentially when the firing force exceeds thethreshold.

Example 127

The surgical instrument of Examples 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116,117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, or 126, wherein the endeffector comprises a staple cartridge.

Example 128

A surgical instrument comprising an end effector comprising a staplecartridge and a firing assembly. The staple cartridge comprises acartridge body, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and asled configured to eject the staples from the cartridge body. The firingassembly is configured to apply a firing load to the sled during astaple firing stroke. The firing assembly comprises a first portion, asecond portion, and a fuse configured to transmit the firing load fromthe first portion to the second portion when the fuse is intact, whereinthe fuse is configured to fail when the firing load exceeds a threshold,and wherein the firing assembly cannot transmit the firing stroke to thesled once the fuse has failed.

Example 129

A surgical instrument comprising an end effector comprising a staplecartridge and a firing assembly. The staple cartridge comprises acartridge body, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and asled configured to eject the staples from the cartridge body. The firingassembly is configured to apply a firing load to the sled during astaple firing stroke. The firing assembly comprises a fuse configured totransmit the firing load to the sled when the fuse is intact, whereinthe fuse is configured to fail when the firing load exceeds a threshold,and wherein the firing assembly cannot transmit the firing load to thesled once the fuse has failed.

Example 130

A surgical instrument comprising an end effector comprising a staplecartridge and a firing assembly comprising a fuse. The staple cartridgecomprises a cartridge body, staples removably stored in the cartridgebody, and a sled configured to eject the staples from the cartridgebody. The fuse comprises an intact state, wherein the firing assembly isconfigured to transmit a firing load to the sled during a firing strokewhen the fuse is in the intact state, a first failed state, wherein thefiring assembly is configured to transmit a load to the sled when thefuse is in the first failed state, and a second failed state, whereinthe firing assembly cannot transmit a load to the sled when the fuse isin the second failed state.

Example 131

The surgical instrument of Example 130, wherein the fuse is resettablefrom the first failed state to the intact state.

Example 132

The surgical instrument of Example 131, wherein the end effectorcomprises a distal end, and wherein the firing assembly is retractableaway from the distal end to reset the fuse into the intact state.

Example 133

The surgical instrument of Examples 130, 131, or 132, wherein the fuseis resettable from the second failed state to the first failed state.

Example 134

The surgical instrument of Example 133, wherein the end effectorcomprises a distal end, and wherein the firing assembly is retractableaway from the distal end to reset said fuse into said intact state.

Example 135

The surgical instrument of Example 130, wherein the fuse is notresettable from the first failed state to the intact state.

Example 136

The surgical instrument of Example 130, wherein the fuse is notresettable from the second failed state to the first failed state.

Example 137

The surgical instrument of Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, or136, wherein the firing assembly can be used to finish the firing strokein the first failed state of the fuse.

Example 138

The surgical instrument of Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, or136, wherein the firing assembly cannot be used to finish the firingstroke in the first failed state of the fuse.

Example 139

The surgical instrument of Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136,137, or 138, wherein the fuse is configured to stop the firing stroke inthe second failed state.

Example 140

The surgical instrument of Example 139, wherein the surgical instrumentfurther comprises a frame, wherein the fuse is configured to engage theframe to stop the firing stroke in the second failed state.

Example 141

The surgical instrument of Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136,137, 138, 139, or 140, wherein the firing assembly further comprises afirst portion and a second portion, and wherein the fuse is positionedintermediate the first portion and the second portion.

Example 142

The surgical instrument of Example 141, wherein the second portionpartially collapses relative to the first portion when the fuse is inthe first failed state.

Example 143

The surgical instrument of Example 141, wherein the second portioncompletely collapses relative to the first portion when the fuse is inthe second failed state.

Example 144

The surgical instrument of Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136,137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, or 143, wherein the firing load is greaterthan the load.

Example 145

The surgical instrument of Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136,137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, or 143, wherein the firing load is equalto the load.

Example 146

The surgical instrument of Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136,137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, or 145, wherein the fusecomprises a biasing portion configured to bias the fuse into the intactstate.

Example 147

The surgical instrument of Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136,137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, or 146, wherein the biasingportion is configured to bias the fuse into the first failed state oncethe fuse has left the intact state.

Example 148

A surgical instrument comprising an electric motor, an end effectorcomprising a staple cartridge, and a firing assembly comprising a fuse.The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, staples removablystored in the cartridge body, and a sled configured to eject the staplesfrom the cartridge body. The fuse comprises an intact state, wherein thefuse is configured to transmit a firing load from the electric motor tothe sled during a firing stroke when the fuse is in the intact state, aslipped state, wherein the fuse is configured to transmit a load fromthe electric motor to the sled when the fuse is in the slipped state,and a failed state, wherein the fuse cannot transmit a load to the sledwhen the fuse is in the second failed state.

Example 149

A surgical instrument comprising an end effector comprising a staplecartridge, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a cartridge bodyincluding a distal end, staples removably stored in the cartridge body,and a sled configured to eject the staples from the cartridge body. Thesurgical instrument further comprises a firing assembly configured toapply a firing force to and advance the sled toward the distal endduring a firing stroke and means for limiting the functionality of thefiring assembly in a plurality of operating states if the firing forceexceeds a threshold.

Example 150

A method for operating a surgical instrument comprising a firingassembly including a fuse, wherein the method comprises the steps ofadvancing the firing assembly to perform a staple firing stroke andapply a firing load to a staple cartridge assembly, stopping the firingassembly if the fuse in the firing assembly fails from an excessivefiring load, and retracting the firing assembly to reset the fuse.

Example 151

The method of Example 150, wherein the method further comprises the stepof completing the staple firing stroke after the retracting step.

Example 152

The method of Examples 150 or 151, wherein the method further comprisesthe step of retracting the firing assembly to an unfired positioninstead of completing the staple firing stroke.

Example 153

The method of Examples 150, 151, or 152, wherein the surgical instrumentcomprises an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises a missingstaple cartridge lockout, and wherein the firing load becomes anexcessive firing load when the firing assembly abuts the missing staplecartridge lockout

Example 154

The method of Examples 150, 151, 152, or 153, wherein the surgicalinstrument comprises an end effector, wherein the end effector comprisesa spent staple cartridge lockout, and wherein the firing load becomes anexcessive firing load when the firing assembly abuts the spent staplecartridge lockout.

Example 155

The method of Examples 150, 151, 152, 153, or 154, wherein the surgicalinstrument comprises a lockout configured to perform the stopping step.

Example 156

The method of Examples 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, or 155, wherein themethod further comprises the steps of replacing the staple cartridgeassembly with an unspent staple cartridge assembly and completing thestaple firing stroke after the stopping step.

Example 157

A method for operating a surgical instrument comprising a firingassembly including a fuse, wherein the method comprises the steps ofadvancing the firing assembly within a staple cartridge assembly toperform a staple firing stroke and apply a firing load to the staplecartridge assembly, completing the staple firing stroke if the fuse inthe firing assembly enters into a first failed state, and stopping thestaple firing stroke if the fuse in the firing assembly enters into asecond failed state after entering into the first failed state.

Example 158

The method of Example 157, wherein the method further comprises the stepof resetting the fuse after the stopping step.

Example 159

The method of Example 158, wherein the resetting step comprises the stepof retracting the firing assembly.

Example 160

The method of Examples 157, 158, or 159, wherein the completing stepcomprises the steps of retracting the firing assembly and then advancingthe firing assembly.

Example 161

The method of Examples 157, 158, 159, or 160, wherein the fuse entersinto the first failed state when the firing load exceeds a first forcethreshold, and wherein the fuse enters into the second failed state whenthe firing load exceeds a second force threshold.

Example 162

The method of Example 161, wherein the first force threshold isdifferent than the second force threshold.

Example 163

The method of Examples 161 or 162, wherein the second force threshold ishigher than the first force threshold.

Example 164

The method of Examples 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, or 163, wherein thesurgical instrument comprises a lockout configured to perform thestopping step.

Example 165

The method of Examples 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, or 164,wherein the method further comprises the steps of replacing the staplecartridge assembly with an unspent staple cartridge assembly andcompleting the staple firing stroke after the stopping step.

Example 166

The method of Examples 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, or 165,wherein the method further comprises the step of resetting the fuse fromthe second failed state to the first failed state after the stoppingstep.

Example 167

The method of Examples 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, or166, wherein the method further comprises the step of resetting the fusefrom second failed state to an unfailed state after the stopping step.

Example 168

A method for operating a surgical instrument comprising a firingassembly including a fuse, wherein the method comprises the steps ofadvancing the firing assembly to perform a staple firing stroke andapply a firing load to a staple cartridge assembly, stopping the firingassembly if the fuse in the firing assembly changes state, and resettingthe fuse to an unfailed state.

Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are motivatedby an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems describedherein can be motivated in any suitable manner. In various instances,the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated by amanually-operated trigger, for example. In certain instances, the motorsdisclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a roboticallycontrolled system. Moreover, any of the end effectors and/or toolassemblies disclosed herein can be utilized with a robotic surgicalinstrument system. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitledSURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENTARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, for example, disclosesseveral examples of a robotic surgical instrument system in greaterdetail.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described inconnection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, theembodiments described herein are not so limited. Various embodiments areenvisioned which deploy fasteners other than staples, such as clamps ortacks, for example. Moreover, various embodiments are envisioned whichutilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For instance, an endeffector in accordance with various embodiments can comprise electrodesconfigured to heat and seal the tissue. Also, for instance, an endeffector in accordance with certain embodiments can apply vibrationalenergy to seal the tissue.

The entire disclosures of:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE,which issued on Apr. 4, 1995;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVINGSEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which issued on Feb. 21,2006;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,139, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING ANDFASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK, which issued onSep. 9, 2008;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENTWITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS, which issued on Dec.16, 2008;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING ANARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, whichissued on Jul. 13, 2010;

U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLEFASTENER CARTRIDGE, which issued on Mar. 12, 2013;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES; now U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,537;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,573, entitled SURGICAL CUTTINGAND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES, filed Feb. 14, 2008;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873, entitled END EFFECTORS FORA SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 15, 2008, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,782, entitled MOTOR-DRIVENSURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,411;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, entitled POWERED SURGICALCUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM,now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100, entitled MOTOR-DRIVENSURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROLASSEMBLY, filed Dec. 24, 2009; now U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,688;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/893,461, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE,filed Sep. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,613;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,072,535;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,049, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, filed on Jun. 15, 2012;now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,358;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,025, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGETISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,345,481;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGETISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263552;

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled SURGICALCUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM,filed Jan. 31, 2006; and

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled SURGICALSTAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR, filed Apr. 22,2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040, are hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

Although various devices have been described herein in connection withcertain embodiments, modifications and variations to those embodimentsmay be implemented. Particular features, structures, or characteristicsmay be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus,the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated ordescribed in connection with one embodiment may be combined in whole orin part, with the features, structures or characteristics of one oremore other embodiments without limitation. Also, where materials aredisclosed for certain components, other materials may be used.Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component may bereplaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replacedby a single component, to perform a given function or functions. Theforegoing description and following claims are intended to cover allsuch modification and variations.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after asingle use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In eithercase, however, a device can be reconditioned for reuse after at leastone use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the stepsincluding, but not limited to, the disassembly of the device, followedby cleaning or replacement of particular pieces of the device, andsubsequent reassembly of the device. In particular, a reconditioningfacility and/or surgical team can disassemble a device and, aftercleaning and/or replacing particular parts of the device, the device canbe reassembled for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety oftechniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use ofsuch techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all withinthe scope of the present application.

The devices disclosed herein may be processed before surgery. First, anew or used instrument may be obtained and, when necessary, cleaned. Theinstrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, theinstrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plasticor TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a fieldof radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation,x-rays, and/or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria onthe instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may thenbe stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep theinstrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A devicemay also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art,including but not limited to beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethyleneoxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, thepresent invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope ofthe disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover anyvariations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its generalprinciples.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or inpart, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein isincorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materialsdo not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or otherdisclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to theextent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth hereinsupersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference.Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated byreference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions,statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only beincorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between thatincorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical instrument, comprising: an endeffector; and a firing assembly configured to transmit a firing load tosaid end effector during a firing stroke, wherein said firing assemblycomprises: a first portion; a second portion; and a fuse portion,wherein said fuse portion is configured to transmit said firing loadfrom said first portion to said second portion when said fuse portion isintact, wherein said fuse portion is configured to fail when said firingload exceeds a threshold, and wherein said first portion cannot transmitsaid firing load to said second portion once said fuse portion hasfailed.
 2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said fuse portionis resettable.
 3. The surgical instrument of claim 2, wherein said endeffector comprises a distal end, wherein said firing assembly isadvanced toward said distal end during said firing stroke, and whereinsaid firing assembly is advanced away from said distal end to reset saidfuse portion.
 4. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said firstportion comprises a flexible first rod, wherein said second portioncomprises a second rod, and wherein said flexible first rod isconfigured to bend and disengage from said second rod when said firingload exceeds said threshold.
 5. The surgical instrument of claim 4,wherein said flexible rod resiliently bends out of engagement with saidsecond rod when said firing load exceeds said threshold, and whereinsaid flexible first rod is configured to snap back into engagement withsaid second rod when said flexible first rod is realigned with saidsecond rod.
 6. The surgical instrument of claim 4, wherein said firingassembly further comprises a collar, wherein said second rod is slidablypositioned in said collar, wherein said flexible first rod is notpositioned in said collar when said firing stroke is initiated, whereinsaid flexible first rod enters into said collar during said firingstroke, and wherein said collar prevents said flexible first rod fromdisengaging from said second rod.
 7. The surgical instrument of claim 4,further comprising a frame, wherein said flexible first rod isconfigured to engage said frame and block said firing assembly fromperforming said firing stroke when said flexible first rod disengagesfrom said second rod.
 8. The surgical instrument of claim 4, furthercomprising a biasing member configured to bias said flexible first rodinto engagement with said second rod.
 9. The surgical instrument ofclaim 1, wherein said fuse portion comprises a first barb defined onsaid first portion and a second barb defined on said second portionengaged with said first barb, and wherein said first barb disengagesfrom said second barb when said firing force exceeds said threshold. 10.The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said fuse portion comprisesa first foot defined on said first portion and a second foot defined onsaid second portion engaged with said first foot, and wherein said firstfoot slips relative to said second foot when said firing force exceedssaid threshold.
 11. The surgical instrument of claim 10, furthercomprising a frame, wherein said first portion comprises a biasingmember engaged with said frame, and wherein said biasing member isconfigured to bias said first foot into engagement with said secondfoot.
 12. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said secondportion comprises a plurality of layers, wherein said fuse portioncomprises a proximal portion of said layers which splays outwardly whensaid firing force exceeds said threshold.
 13. The surgical instrument ofclaim 12, further comprising a frame, wherein said splayed layers areconfigured to engage said frame and block said firing assembly fromperforming said firing stroke when said firing load exceeds saidthreshold.
 14. The surgical instrument of claim 12, wherein said layersresiliently splay outwardly when said firing load exceeds saidthreshold, and wherein said layers are configured to flex inwardly toreset said fuse portion when said firing assembly is retracted.
 15. Thesurgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said fuse portion is notresettable.
 16. The surgical instrument of claim 15, wherein said fuseportion comprises a wall defined in said first portion, and wherein saidwall is configured to break away from said first portion when saidfiring load exceeds said threshold.
 17. The surgical instrument of claim15, wherein said fuse portion comprises a series of collapsible wallsarranged along a longitudinal axis in said first portion, and whereinsaid collapsible walls are configured to fail sequentially when saidfiring force exceeds said threshold.
 18. The surgical instrument ofclaim 1, wherein said end effector comprises a staple cartridge.
 19. Asurgical instrument, comprising: an end effector comprising a staplecartridge, wherein said staple cartridge comprises: a cartridge body;staples removably stored in said cartridge body; and a sled configuredto eject said staples from said cartridge body; and a firing assemblyconfigured to apply a firing load to said sled during a staple firingstroke, wherein said firing assembly comprises: a first portion; asecond portion; and a fuse configured to transmit said firing load fromsaid first portion to said second portion when said fuse is intact,wherein said fuse is configured to fail when said firing load exceeds athreshold, and wherein said firing assembly cannot transmit said firingstroke to said sled once said fuse has failed.
 20. A surgicalinstrument, comprising: an end effector comprising a staple cartridge,wherein said staple cartridge comprises: a cartridge body; staplesremovably stored in said cartridge body; and a sled configured to ejectsaid staples from said cartridge body; and a firing assembly configuredto apply a firing load to said sled during a staple firing stroke,wherein said firing assembly comprises a fuse configured to transmitsaid firing load to said sled when said fuse is intact, wherein saidfuse is configured to fail when said firing load exceeds a threshold,and wherein said firing assembly cannot transmit said firing load tosaid sled once said fuse has failed.